Lao Tzu for Everyone
Students, Scholars
& Seekers
Peter Gilboy, Ph.D.
Line 4 若何萬乘之王
而以身輕於天下
Line 5 輕則失本趮則失君
LESSON 26
Advice to
Rulers
Here Lao Tzu addresses a ruler's focus and composure. If a ruler appears to be anxious, indecisive, or irresolute, he or she is no longer a model to the people, and will lose all authority. It is a practical matter really, for this would not bode well for the people or the realm.
Lao Tzu is practical. He is not a utopian. He knows how violent and cruel the world can be. If it is too much to ask that a ruler also be a sage, then at least the ruler should express an outward composure, even a pretended one, and thereby serve as a model to "all under heaven."
. . . . . .
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The heavy is the
root of the light.
Tranquility is the lord
of restlessness.
For this reason, though
a ruler may travel all day,
he or she does not
not lose their composure
3.
Only when safely
among his or her own,
may the ruler display
a more relaxed disposition.
How could
a powerful ruler
slacken his or
her demeanor
to the world?
Slacken, and you'll
lose your footing.
Be rash, and you'll
lose all authority.
. . . . . . .