Wu Tao: Compliant Initiation

King Wen asked Grand Duke: "How can one govern the world effectively?"

Grand Duke replied: "Only when magnanimity surpasses the world can one embrace it;
only when integrity surpasses the world can one restrain it;
only when benevolence surpasses the world can one pacify it;
only when generosity surpasses the world can one preserve it;
only when authority surpasses the world can one secure it;
only when decisive action flows unwaveringly—like the unmovable course of celestial bodies or the unchanging cycle of seasons—can one fulfill these six principles.

Thus:
Those who benefit the world earn its welcome;
those who harm it face its opposition;
those who slaughter it incur hatred for their cruelty;
those who align with its will gain its allegiance;
those who impoverish it provoke loathing;
those who bring stability become its refuge;
those who endanger it are deemed calamities.

The world is no single man’s domain. Only those of supreme virtue may claim the throne to govern it."