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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Tao Te Ching · 66 of 81

Chapter 66

That whereby the rivers and seas are able to receive the homage and tribute of all the valley streams, is their skill in being lower than they;—it is thus that they are the kings of them all. So it is that the sage (ruler), wishing to be above men, puts himself by his words below them, and, wishing to be before them, places his person behind them.

In this way though he has his place above them, men do not feel his weight, nor though he has his place before them, do they feel it an injury to them.

Therefore all in the world delight to exalt him and do not weary of him. Because he does not strive, no one finds it possible to strive with him.

Asked of Guide

Why does the sage deliberately place himself below and behind others?

Lao Tzu shows that rivers and seas become masters because they receive every stream by being low; the sage becomes respected by placing his words below and his person behind others. The text says this makes his authority light: “men do not feel his weight” and his precedence does not injure them.

Because he “does not strive,” people willingly exalt him and cannot compete with him; humility and unobtrusive leadership produce natural followership. This echoes Chuang Tzu’s advice that gentleness, economy, and shrinking from precedence allow a leader to be both bold and generous.

Guide is the guide inside the Gnosis app, where every book on these shelves is free to read. Guide is the part you pay for — your guide has read all of them, and answers about the passage you’re actually on. Ask your guide your own question.

Echoes elsewhere

Chuang Tzu · Taoismis gentleness; the second is economy; and the third is shrinking from taking precedence of others. 3. With that gentleness I can be bold; with that economy I can be liberal; shrink Cosmic Consciousness · Esotericis gentleness; the second is economy, and the third is shrinking from taking precedence of others. With that gentleness I can be bold; with that economy I can be liberal; shrinking The Sayings of Lao Tzu · Taoismyou can be liberal; avoid putting yourself before others, and you can become a leader among men. But in the present day men cast off gentleness, and are all for being bold; they sp Rig Veda · HinduismGuerdon gives food which is our life and spirit. He who is wise takes Guerdon for his armour. 8. The liberal die not, never are they ruined: the liberal suffer neither harm nor tro