Line by Line - Verse 49, Lines 1-2

The sage has no invariable mind of his own; he makes the mind of the people his mind.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

The sage has no mind of his own.
He is aware of the needs of others.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

The sages have no constant mind
They take the mind of the people as their mind
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

The Masters
don't make up their minds.
They turn their thoughts
to other people.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

In reference to group dynamics, John Heider makes this point about the opening lines of Verse 49.

The wise leader does not impose a personal agenda or value system on the group. The leader follows the group's lead and is open to whatever emerges.

Sort of what is transpiring with the "Occupy Together" movement!

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