In the Dao De Jing, Laozi repeatedly emphasizes that rulers must practice governance through “non-action” (wu wei or non-coercive governance).
He fervently promotes this political ideal, advocating for aligning with the natural course of things and adapting to their intrinsic essence.
If any one should wish to get the kingdom for himself, and to effect this by what he does, I see that he will not succeed. The kingdom is a spirit-like thing, and cannot be got by active doing. He who would so win it destroys it; he who would hold it in his grasp loses it.
The course and nature of things is such that
What was in front is now behind;
What warmed anon we freezing find.
Strength is of weakness oft the spoil;
The store in ruins mocks our toil.Hence the sage puts away excessive effort, extravagance, and easy indulgence.
This politico-philosophical principle calls for:
- Harmonizing with the natural flow of existence;
- Respecting the inherent nature of all beings.
As this chapter warns:
“Those who seek to dominate the world through force destroy it;
those who try to control it lose it.”
Enlightened rulers who have realized the Dao:
- Avoid extremes in all actions;
- Abstain from excessive ambitions;
- Reject grandiosity and excessive accomplishments.
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