Line by Line - Verse 66, Line 7

nor though he has his place before them, do they feel it an injury to them.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

When he stands before them, they will not be harmed.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

They are positioned in front
But the people do not feel harmed
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

[No corresponding line]
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

I like the way John Lash sums up this line with a simple, but straightforward, thought.

If you lead by example rather than with power, others will not feel forced, and resentment will not arise.

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