Thus it was that when faith (in the Tao) was deficient (in the rulers) a want of faith in them ensued (in the people).In common parlance, we could simply say, "What goes around, comes around!"
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~
Who does not trust enough will not be trusted.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~
If the rulers' trust is insufficient Have no trust in them
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~
Trust and respect people. That's how you earn their trust and respect.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~
When life is viewed as a number of self-perpetuating cycles (the day, the seasons, etc.), it's easy to see why putting trust in others will mean that others will have trust us. The action we initiate will loop back.
To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.
Someone said, can't remember who, maybe my teacher, that true trust is trusting someone who isn't trustworthy.
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