Daodejing Part Seventeen

LYRICS: The highest ruler walks unseen, People only know he’s there. He moves through quiet, acts between The silent breath and open air. No command, no shining throne, Yet the thousand things arise. Nothing claimed and nothing forced, Still the turning of the world. Best is the ruler no one praises, Next the one the people love. Then the one the people fear, Last the one they rise above. When trust grows thin, doubt follows near — Such is the rhythm of the Way. Next they praise the kindly hand Teaching virtue, shaping deeds. Lower still the iron command Binding hearts through fear and needs. Lowest yet the cunning throne — Mocked by those it tries to rule. When the center loses truth, Faith dissolves and shadows grow. Best is the ruler no one praises, Next the one the people love. Then the one the people fear, Last the one they rise above. When trust grows thin, doubt follows near — Such is the rhythm of the Way. Quiet words like distant bells, Slow and rare yet never wrong. When the work is done, none tells Who has guided it along. Deeds complete and order grown — People say: “It came by itself.” No one grasps the hidden source, No one sees the silent hand. Best is the ruler no one praises, Next the one the people love. Then the one the people fear, Last the one they rise above. When trust grows thin, doubt follows near — Such is the rhythm of the Way. The greatest power walks in silence. The deepest rule is never shown. When all is done and life is flowing, The people say: “We did our own.” No name remains, no throne above — Only the quiet work of the Way. DAODEJING PART SEVENTEEN: In the highest antiquity, did not know that there were. In the next age they loved them and praised them. In the next they feared them; in the next they despised them. Thus it was that when faith was deficient a want of faith in them ensued. How irresolute did those appear, showing the importance which they set upon their words! Their work was done and their undertakings were successful, while the people all said, 'We are as we are, of ourselves!'