“ If you want to govern the people, you must place yourself below them. If you want to lead the people, you must learn how to follow them. ”
Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching (4th century BC). copy citation
| Author | Lao Tzu |
|---|---|
| Source | Tao Te Ching |
| Topic | leadership people government |
| Date | 4th century BC |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Stephen Mitchell |
| Weblink | https://terebess.hu/english/tao/mitchell.html |
Context
“
Content with an ordinary life, you can show all people the way back to their own true nature.
66 All streams flow to the sea because it is lower than they are.
Humility gives it its power. If you want to govern the people,
you must place yourself below them.
If you want to lead the people, you must learn how to follow them. The Master is above the people,
and no one feels oppressed.
She goes ahead of the people, and no one feels manipulated.
The whole world is grateful to her.” source
Content with an ordinary life, you can show all people the way back to their own true nature.
66 All streams flow to the sea because it is lower than they are.
Humility gives it its power. If you want to govern the people,
you must place yourself below them.
If you want to lead the people, you must learn how to follow them. The Master is above the people,
and no one feels oppressed.
She goes ahead of the people, and no one feels manipulated.
The whole world is grateful to her.” source
Meaning and analysis
