Daodejing Chapter 66 breakdown: rivers and oceans
Chapter 66 of the Daodejing describes how a Daoist sage emulates the rivers and oceans by putting himself in the lowest position. Because he is humble and has no desire for wealth, acclaim, or power, he paradoxically wins the support of the people and sets the standard for effective leadership.
Section 1
Rivers and oceans are
The kings of the hundred valleys,
Because they lie beneath them.
This is why they are
The kings of the hundred valleys.
The opening section introduces the idea that water bodies like rivers and oceans have great influence and power because they lie beneath the valleys they flow through. Rather than contending with their surroundings, they support and nourish everything around them. This principle of benefiting others by being humble and supportive is a key part of effective leadership.
Section 2
Whoever wants to stand
Above the people,
Must speak to them
From below.
Whoever wants to lead
The people from the front,
Must follow them from behind.
To be an effective leader, you must show humility and empathy towards everybody around you. That means engaging with everyone closely so that you understand their motivations and needs rather than exerting control over them. The more genuine the connections you forge with other people, the more likely they are to be loyal and respectful towards you.
Section 3
The sage is above,
But the people
Do not feel any burden,
Is in front
But the people
Do not feel any threat.
The whole world gladly
And untiringly supports him.
Because the sage
Does not contend with others,
Nobody in the world
Contends with him.
The Daoist sage provides the ideal model for effective leadership. He occupies an elevated position because he does not place any burdens such as heavy taxation or corvee labour on the people and refrains from attempting to impose his will on them. By acting with humility, compassion, and understanding rather than contending with others, he avoids provoking resistance or opposition and fosters trust and harmony among the people.
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