Chapter 80 of the Dao De Jing is often misinterpreted. Many people interpret it literally, assuming Laozi advocated for breaking up large states and reverting to primitive tribal societies.
On the contrary, Laozi did not promote fragmenting large nations into smaller states. Instead, he proposed maintaining a dialectical unity of size and order within a unified central system. His vision emphasized preventing feudal states or city-states from growing too powerful, thereby threatening other states or the central authority. He believed this balance between unity and diversity would foster greater societal stability.
In a little state with a small population, I would so order it, that, though there were individuals with the abilities of ten or a hundred men, there should be no employment of them; I would make the people, while looking on death as a grievous thing, yet not remove elsewhere (to avoid it).
Though they had boats and carriages, they should have no occasion to ride in them; though they had buff coats and sharp weapons, they should have no occasion to don or use them.
I would make the people return to the use of knotted cords (instead of the written characters).
They should think their food sweet; their clothes beautiful; their dwellings places of rest; and their common (simple) ways sources of enjoyment.
There should be a neighbouring state within sight, and the voices of the fowls and dogs should be heard all the way from it to us, but I would make the people to old age, even to death, not have any intercourse with it.
In Laozi’s ideal society:
- Small states would not fear invasion, because of the central authority would protect them, and thus avoid excessive military development.
- People would live in peace and contentment, free from the need to migrate for survival.
- Individuals would be free from the pursuit of fame and profit, avoiding the creation of unnecessary tools or devices. Instead, they would find fulfillment in simplicity, enjoying abundant food, comfortable clothing, secure homes, and joyful lives.
- Neighboring states would coexist harmoniously, maintaining self-sufficiency rather than interdependence. Their interactions would be marked by mutual respect—close enough to hear each other’s roosters and dogs, yet distant enough to preserve autonomy.
This vision reflects Laozi’s deeper philosophy: stability arises not from domination or division, but from balance, humility, and alignment with the natural order (Dao). His critique of excess power and greed remains profoundly relevant in modern discussions of governance, sustainability, and global harmony.
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