Sunday, August 14, 2011

Line by Line - Verse 39, Lines 17-18

Hence princes and kings call themselves 'Orphans,' 'Men of small virtue,' and as 'Carriages without a nave.' Is not this an acknowledgment that in their considering themselves mean they see the foundation of their dignity?
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

Princes and lords consider themselves "orphaned", "widowed" and "worthless".
Do they not depend on being humble?

~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Thus the rulers call themselves alone, bereft, and unworthy
Is this not using the lowly as basis? Is it not so?

~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

Our leaders should think of themselves
as insignificant, powerless,
unworthy of their stature.
Isn't that what humility is all about?

~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~
When a person is humble, they lack the over attachment to their own self (pride). They don't force their own agenda on others. They listen before they speak and they think before they act. They are more apt to synthesize the opinions of others and to lead by following behind.

Our world would be a much brighter place if our leaders took such notions to heart. More importantly, our own lives would be more tranquil, if we would each live in humility and awe.

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.

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