He governs not, yet there is no disorder.

Excerpt

The expression of Confucius' countenance changed, and he replied after a pause: 'Among the people of the West a true sage dwells. He governs not, yet there is no disorder. He speaks not, yet he is naturally trusted. He makes no reforms, yet right conduct is spontaneous and universal. So great and incomprehensible is he that the people can find no name to call him by. I suspect that this man is a sage, but whether in truth he is a sage or is not a sage I do not know.'

Source Lieh Tzu, book 4, §1 · 📖 Read the full passage

✨ To meditate on today

According to Lieh Tzu, when Confucius is asked who is truly wise, he speaks of men of the West who keep the peace without governing and inspire trust without speaking, so discreetly that no one knows their name. Today, help calm a tension around you by your calm presence alone, without trying to take charge or to be noticed.

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