A leader is best when people barely know that he exists. Of a good leader, who talks little, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, people will say “We did this ourselves”. (Daode jing, chapter 17)
The ruler, who follows the ruling principles of the cosmos, will not seek to rule the world with force, for he knows that everything will eventually fall back upon him. (Daode jing, ch. 30, verse 252)
According to your own stage of maturity, judge the other person.
According to your family’s stage of maturity, judge other families.
Let your community be the measure for judging other communities.
Measure other nations on your own.
Measure humanity on your own humanity.
How do I recognize this ordering principle in the world?
By itself! (Daode jing, ch. 54, verses 459-465)
I have three treasures, which I cherish:
the first is compassion, the second is contentment, the third is modesty.
Compassion makes one brave. Contentment makes one magnanimous.
Modesty makes one a vessel for the working of the eternal forces. (Daode jing, ch. 67, verses 570-577)
If a country is small and has few inhabitants, what is wrong with that?
Even if it has weapons for only ten or a hundred men and they do not even take them up, leave the people in peace, let them till their land. [...]
Even when the border to their neighbours is so near that one can hear the roosters’ call and the dogs’ bark, let them live happily, let them grow old contentedly and die in peace.
Do not force them to give up their freedom! (Daode jing, ch. 80, verses 651-52 and 655)
The person who follows the path of perfection does not heap up treasures. His possessions are what he does for others. The more he gives himself to others, the greater he will grow. (Daode jing, ch. 81, verses 659-660)
He who strives after treasures will overreach himself. He who is content, with him others will be content. He who acknowledges his limits will not get into danger. Observing this leads to true inner and outer steadfastness.
(Daode jing, ch. 44, verses 384-387)
