[DDJ Meaning] Chapter 17

[dawei]

Legge

 

17 
In the highest antiquity, (the people) did not know that there 
were (their rulers). In the next age they loved them and praised 
them. In the next they feared them; in the next they despised them. 
Thus it was that when faith (in the Tao) was deficient (in the rulers) 
a want of faith in them ensued (in the people).

How irresolute did those (earliest rulers) appear, showing (by 
their reticence) the importance which they set upon their words! 
Their work was done and their undertakings were successful, while the 
people all said, 'We are as we are, of ourselves!'

 

Lau

 

17 
The best of all rulers is but a shadowy presence to his subjects. 
Next comes the ruler they love and praise; 
Next comes one they fear; 
Next comes one with whom they take liberties.

When there is not enough faith, there is lack of good faith.

Hesitant, he does not utter words lightly. 
When his task is accomplished and his work done 
The people all say, 'It happened to us naturally.'

 

Feng/English

 

17 
In the highest antiquity, (the people) did not know that there 
were (their rulers). In the next age they loved them and praised 
them. In the next they feared them; in the next they despised them. 
Thus it was that when faith (in the Tao) was deficient (in the rulers) 
a want of faith in them ensued (in the people).

How irresolute did those (earliest rulers) appear, showing (by 
their reticence) the importance which they set upon their words! 
Their work was done and their undertakings were successful, while the 
people all said, 'We are as we are, of ourselves!'

 

Jonathan Star

 

17

To know Tao alone, without trace of your own existence, is the highest
Next comes loving and praising it
Then fearing it
Then despising it
If one doesn?t trust himself how can he trust anyone else?
The great ruler speaks little and his words are priceless
He works without self-interest and leaves no trace
When all is finished, the people say, ?It happened by itself?
 

Flowing Hand's Transmission:

 

17

The greatest things in life are rarely realised or known by Men.  But Men always know the things they love and treasure, and that which is feared and despised. 
Having a simple heart one knows how to trust openly. Those who do not trust openly, can never be trusted to have a good heart. 
When deeds are performed with few words, people can say "we've done it". 

 

Hinton

 

17

The loftiest ruler is barely known among those below.
Next comes a ruler people love and praise.
After that, one they fear, and then one they despise.
If you don't stand sincere by your words
how sincere can the people be?
Take great care over words, treasure them,
and when the hundred-fold people see
your work succeed in all they do
they'll say it's just occurrence appearing of itself.

 

 

Lin

 

17

The highest rulers, people do not know they have them
The next level, people love them and praise them
The next level, people fear them
The next level, people despise them
The rulers' trust is insufficient, have no trust in them
Proceeding calmly, valuing their words
Task accomplished, matter settled
The people all say, "We did it naturally"

 

[Lin Commentary]

At the highest level, the ideal rulers are the ones who are so good at what they do that they can achieve their objectives quickly, silently and effectively. They do not glory in their achievements, so the people are not even aware that such rulers exist.
At the next level down, we have rulers whose benevolent actions can be seen, so that people are aware of them. The people feel close to such rulers and they give much praise for the benevolent, positive rule.
At the next level down, we have rulers who resort to intimidation and heavy-handed policies. People fear such rulers.
At the next level down, we have rulers who are incompetent or seek to deceive the people through trickery. People despise such rulers. They insult the leadership and rise up in opposition.
If such rulers cannot have sufficient trust the people, then how can the people have trust in them?
The ideal way is to govern in an unhurried, easy manner where rulers greatly values their words. This means they do more and talk less.
Because things are done this way, without anyone being aware of all the work that go into governing, when important tasks are completed and major issues are settled, the people all say that they did it themselves, and that it was naturally so.

 

Notes
The original Chinese is not gender specific in referring to the ruler. It does not assert in any way that the ruler must be male. Most translators arbitrarily force the gender to either male or female, which distorts the original meaning.
Like several other passages from the Tao Te Ching, this chapter seems to be aimed at the ancient kings of China. It is as if Lao Tzu was asked to advise the Emperor on the best way to rule. How can such passages apply to us, who are not necessarily in exalted positions of political power?
Do not think of ruling in the literal way that only applies to governance of a nation. Look at your own life and note all the settings and circumstances where leadership plays a role. Most of us will, at some point, start our own families, and we may be called upon to assume the responsibility of leadership in social settings, community activities, or the workplace.
The Tao of leadership remains constant in any context. Whether you find yourself having to deal with your children, neighbors or coworkers, you'll find the distinctions in this chapter a useful guide.

[Brian]

I think the illustration of the principle via government is fitting (particularly, perhaps, in the current environment?) but I especially like that the transmission given to Flowing Hands avoids what might otherwise seem a proscription for governance.  The principle is universal and runs deep in both human nature and the Tao.

[Marblehead]

The illusion of Social Anarchy.

 

Not a bad thing.

 

[Sketch]

 

• Verse Seventeen

When people are in charge of anything, they should try to understand what it’s like from the other guys perspective.

At the very best, they won’t even realize you’re there.

A few people will notice you

 when you make mistakes.

Some of those will understand.

If you do kind of a crappy job, they’ll start to worry.

Do a super crappy job and they’ll hate you, 

they’ll make fun of you,

 what do you expect?

If you don’t understand cause and effect,

You can’t teach anybody anything, 

and you sure can’t put it into words.

At this point I imagine the author pausing and taking a deep breath before he says

“You see, my words are valuable - 

I shall not waste them”.

“Act wholeheartedly

And be satisfied.”

“That’s what I call”, 

says our author,

 “ going with the

force of nature.”