Wu Tao: Cultural Awakening

King Wen asked Tai Gong:
"How should a sage govern the world?"

Tai Gong replied:
"A sage governs by neither excessive worry nor forced restraint. All things under heaven naturally find their place; without interference, they flourish and multiply. Decrees are carried out so subtly that the people are transformed unknowingly, just as time passes without notice. By adhering to this principle, the sage nurtures imperceptible change, creating an endless cycle of harmony. This effortless governance—calm, unforced, and rooted in natural order—must be deeply contemplated by the ruler. Once understood, it must be internalized; once internalized, it must be enacted; once enacted, its mysteries need not be proclaimed.

"Heaven and earth declare no laws, yet all things grow by their rhythms. The sage flaunts no brilliance, yet achieves glorious deeds.

"In ancient times, sages gathered individuals into families, families into states, and states into the realm. They enfeoffed the worthy as lords, establishing the foundation of governance. Through propagating virtue and aligning with customs, they transformed corrupt practices into righteousness. Though customs differed across states, all people lived in peace, revering their rulers. This is called 'Great Stability Under Heaven.'

"Alas! The sage governs through tranquil non-action; the wise ruler rectifies his own conduct. The foolish ruler, failing to rectify himself, clashes with the people. When edicts grow oppressive, punishments multiply; when punishments multiply, fear spreads; when fear spreads, the people scatter. With neither ruler nor subjects at peace, chaos endures—this is 'Great Failure of Governance.'

"The hearts of the people flow like water: dammed, they stagnate; freed, they surge; calmed, they clarify. Ah! How divine! Only the sage perceives the seed of such truths and foresees their fruition."

King Wen asked:
"How can peace be brought to the world?"

Tai Gong answered:
"Heaven follows its cycles; the people follow their livelihoods. When the ruler shares in the people’s labors, peace prevails. Thus, the highest governance aligns with the people’s hearts; the next best inspires them through virtue. Once inspired, the people obey naturally.

"Just as heaven nurtures all things without striving, the people prosper without coercion—this is the 'Virtuous Rule of the Sage.'"

King Wen said:
"Your words resonate deeply. I will reflect on them day and night, never forgetting, and uphold them as the fundamental principle for governing the realm."