The Dao De Jing, #72: When People Don't Fear Your Might

The Dao De Jing is not only one of the world's great classics, it is one of the foundations of Philosophical Daoism. A free online version of the Dao De Jing may be found here. Today we have #72: When People Don't Fear Your Might.

When the people do not fear your might

Then your might has truly become great.

Don't interfere with their household affairs.

Don't oppress their livelihood.

If you don't oppress them they won't feel oppressed.

Thus the sage understands herself

But does not show herself.

Loves herself

But does not prize herself.

Therefore she lets go of that

And takes this.