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He who tries to govern a state by his wisdom is a scourge to it; while he who does not try to do so is a blessing. He who knows these two things finds in them also his model and rule. Ability to know this model and rule constitutes what we call the mysterious excellence. Deep and far-reaching is such mysterious excellence, showing indeed its possessor as opposite to others, but leading them to a great conformity to him.
Source Tao Te King, chapter 65 · 📖 Read the full passage
✨ To meditate on today
According to Lao Tzu, whoever guides others without cunning or calculation brings them happiness; this simplicity is a heavenly virtue, deep and vast, which runs against the habits of men (that is the meaning of “opposite to creatures”) yet leads to general peace. Today, in a situation where you would be tempted to manoeuvre, choose to act with simplicity and frankness.
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