Chapter 17 · The Best of Rulers Unnoticed

Tao Te Ching (Legge, 1891) · chapter title added by Learn the Dao

Learn the Dao: a quiet practice for learning the thing that can’t be known.

The chapter’s first line

In the highest antiquity,

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This chapter in plain modern English — David Kooi’s rendering ↓

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!'

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In the next age they loved — missed them and praised them

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Chapter 17, in a second rendering

Barely Notice Anyone's in Charge

Dao De Kooi — an original rendering by David Kooi

With the best leadership, you barely notice anyone's in charge. Same with the best tools - calm tech, not a slot machine yanking at you. Next best is the kind people love and cheer for. After that, the kind they're scared of. After that, the kind they hold in contempt. Stop trusting people and they stop trusting you - that part's just physics. A good one doesn't say much. The work gets done, it goes well, and everyone figures they did it themselves. Which, if you're paying attention, is the point.

Next · Chapter 18When the Great Tao (Way or Method) ceased to be observed…Read chapter 18 →

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