Daodejing Chapter 3: perfect harmony

How does a wise ruler govern a state so that “order prevails”? This is the key question that Chapter 3 of the Daodejing tackles.

On the surface, it’s almost as if the text is recommending that a wise ruler should adopt a utilitarian “ignorance-is-bliss” approach to governing in which he keeps the masses happy by filling their stomachs and emptying their hearts-and-minds of temptations.

But if you dig a little deeper, it becomes clear that the passage is saying that the main responsibility of the ruler is much more sophisticated than that. It is to build a healthy political culture in which members of the governing class put aside their personal vanity and power struggles and work together to build a stable and prosperous society that meets the needs of its people.

If the ruler selects the right candidates for official positions and makes sure that they behave properly when in power, the people will be much less likely to rebel against favoritism and corruption. And if the people’s material and social needs are being met, they will be much less prone to petty temptations and having their emotions stirred up by opportunists looking for a fast track to power.

When it comes to statecraft, therefore, the role of the ruler can indeed be likened to that of a conductor of an orchestra. By practicing wuwei, or effortless action, he makes sure that all the disparate elements of society come together to work in perfect harmony for the good of everyone.

Note
I took this image at Longhu (Dragon Tiger) Mountain, a famous Daoist site about ten miles south of Yingtan in Jiangxi Province. A great place to visit!