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<title>09 - Chapters 57 - 62</title>
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57.

You can run a country 
by sticking to principles,
and you can win a war 
with strategy and tactics.
But you can gain the entire world 
by doing nothing at all.

How do I know this?
I've seen it happen:
The more restrictions 
a nation imposes,
the poorer its people become.
When a nation hoards weapons,
troubles arise from within 
and from without.
When its leaders try 
to be cunning and clever,
the situation spins 
further out of control.
When they try to fix things
by passing more laws,
they only increase the number of outlaws.

A wise leader says to himself:
"I do nothing, 
and people transform themselves.
I keep silent, 
and they do the right thing 
on their own.
I stay out of the way, 
and they prosper.
I want for nothing, 
and they lead simple lives."


58.

When a nation is ruled 
with a light touch, 
people lead simple lives.
When a government
is harsh and demanding,
people will spend their time 
trying to outsmart it.

Happiness is rooted in misery, 
and misery lurks beneath all joy.
Who knows what could happen tomorrow?

Everything is relative; 
what's considered proper today 
may become improper.
Correct appearances 
may hide dishonesty and sinfulness.

No wonder so many people get confused.

The Masters have sharp minds, 
not sharp tongues.
They are austere, 
but never judgmental.
They are straightforward, 
but not provocative.
They are brilliant, 
but not flashy.


59.

Leadership is based on moderation.
Practice moderation, 
and you'll get in touch 
with the power of Tao.

If you get right with Tao, 
nothing is impossible.
If you get right with Tao, 
there's no limit to what you can do.
If you get right with Tao,
you can be a true leader.

Remember this advice 
if you want to be a leader:
Plant deep roots in firm soil.
Get right with Tao,
and you'll always see things clearly.


60.

Being a leader
is like cooking a small fish;
get right with Tao, 
and it's quick and easy.

When you're in touch with Tao,
you don't need to worry 
about misfortune.
You can't make it go away, of course,
but you can keep it 
from harming other people.

Also, as a wise leader, 
you cause no harm to others,
so people won't have to worry 
about getting hurt,
and they'll take the opportunity 
to do the right thing.


61.

Power flows down
to every level of existence
like a river to the ocean.

Victory comes 
from lying perfectly still
and waiting for power 
to come your way.

If you yield to someone 
less powerful than yourself,
you will be in a position 
to influence them.

If you submit to someone 
more powerful than yourself,
you create an opportunity 
to get your own way.

So if you want to get ahead, 
lay low and bide your time.
That way, everybody's happy.


62.

Every living thing 
gets its strength from Tao.
Good people respect the value of Tao.
The wicked and foolish don't,
but Tao provides for them anyway.

Some people gain power and prestige through fancy words,
others through great deeds.
But Tao is available to everyone, 
not just the powerful.
So don't look down on anybody.

When people become powerful,
and everybody lines up 
to kiss their ass,
sit still and stay right with Tao.

Why have the Masters 
always respected Tao?
Because when you get right with Tao,
you can always find 
swhat you need to get by,
and trouble can never find you.


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