Line by Line - Verse 17, Line 2

In the next age they loved them and praised them.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

Then comes that which people know and love.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

The next level, people love them and praise them
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

The next best leader is obeyed out of love.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

According to Lu Hsi-Sheng (quoted by Red Pine):

The virtuous lords of ancient times initiated no actions and left no traces, hence the people knew they were there and that was all. When their virtue began to fade, they ruled with kindness and justice, and the people loved and praised them.

While love and praise might seem a step up from hate and scorn, it can also be viewed as a step down from allowing life to unfold organically. When desire comes into the picture -- whether it is defined in a positive or negative light -- it has a tendency to go to our heads and this prospect can easily lead to disaster!

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