The Tao Te Ching – Chapter 30

English Translation

One who assists the ruler of men by means of the Tao does not assert his mastery in the kingdom by force of arms. Such a course is sure to meet with its proper return. Wherever a host is stationed, briars and thorns spring up. In the sequence of great armies, there are sure to be bad years. A skilful commander strikes a decisive blow and stops. He does not dare by continuing his operations to assert and complete his mastery. He will strike the blow, but will be on his guard against being vain or boastful or arrogant in consequence of it. He strikes it as a matter of necessity; he strikes it, but not from a wish for mastery. When things have attained their strong maturity they become old. This may be said to be not in accordance with the Tao: and what is not in accordance with it soon comes to an end.

Original Text

以道佐人主者，不以兵强天下。其事好还：师之所居，荆棘生焉；大军之后，必有凶年。善有果而已，不敢以取强。果而勿矜，果而勿伐，果而勿骄，果而不得已，果而勿强。物壮则老，是谓不道，不道早已。

Explanation with Examples

1. A skilled leader who follows the Tao does not rely on force or violence to assert his authority. Just as a wise gardener knows that pulling too hard on a plant will damage its roots, a wise leader knows that using excessive force will ultimately lead to resistance and rebellion.
2. Even when victory is achieved through force, it is important to remain humble and guard against arrogance or complacency. Just as a tree that grows too tall and rigid is more likely to be toppled by the wind, a leader who becomes too proud and inflexible is more likely to be brought down by changing circumstances.

Call to Action

To cultivate the wisdom and skill of a true leader, we must learn to follow the Tao and avoid relying on force or aggression to assert our authority. By staying humble, flexible, and attuned to the needs of others, we can navigate the challenges of leadership with grace and effectiveness.

Take action today:

• Cultivate a leadership style that relies on wisdom, compassion, and skillful means rather than force or aggression
• Stay humble and guard against arrogance or complacency, even in the face of success or victory
• Be flexible and adaptable in the face of changing circumstances, like a tree that bends with the wind
• Use force only as a last resort, and always with a sense of necessity and restraint
• Remember that true mastery comes from following the Tao and serving the needs of others, not from asserting one’s own power or control

By cultivating the wisdom and skill of a true leader, we can navigate the challenges of leadership with grace and effectiveness. Remember that the Tao is the ultimate source of power and authority, and that true mastery comes from aligning oneself with its principles of humility, flexibility, and service to others.

References:
The Tao Te Ching – Chapter 29
Xunzi: The Ancient Chinese Philosopher Who Believed Human Nature Is Evil
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The Confucian School: A Pillar of Ancient Chinese Philosophy in the Era of a Hundred Schools of Thought
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