This chapter and Chapter 17 mutually correspond. Chapter 17 reveals that harsh policies and severe punishments only generate “fear and disdain” among the people, thus urging rulers to implement reforms. The current chapter elaborates on the principle of “speaking little in harmony with nature (Dao)”.
Abstaining from speech marks him who is obeying the spontaneity of his nature. A violent wind does not last for a whole morning; a sudden rain does not last for the whole day. To whom is it that these (two) things are owing? To Heaven and Earth. If Heaven and Earth cannot make such (spasmodic) actings last long, how much less can man!
Therefore when one is making the Dao his business, those who are also pursuing it, agree with him in it, and those who are making the manifestation of its course their object agree with him in that; while even those who are failing in both these things agree with him where they fail.
Hence, those with whom he agrees as to the Dao have the happiness of attaining to it; those with whom he agrees as to its manifestation have the happiness of attaining to it; and those with whom he agrees in their failure have also the happiness of attaining (to the Dao). (But) when there is not faith sufficient (on his part), a want of faith (in him) ensues (on the part of the others).
Using the analogy of natural storms, which never endure, Laozi warns rulers:
- Avoid coercive interference through decrees.
- Reject tyranny, as only silent, non-interventionist governance aligns with natural laws, enabling the people’s well-being.
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