17. The Best Rulers
Text
English translation
Original Chinese text
太上，下知有之；其次，亲而誉之；其次，畏之；其次，侮之。
English translation
Of the best rulers, the people merely know that they exist. The next are loved and praised; the next are feared; the next are despised.
The ranking turns on how strongly rule imposes itself on ordinary life. The finest governance is barely felt, while reliance on force creates distance and contempt.
Original Chinese text
信不足，焉有不信焉。
English translation
Where trustworthiness is lacking, distrust will follow.
Trust cannot be commanded. When a ruler’s words and actions are unreliable, the people’s doubt is a natural response.
Original Chinese text
悠兮，其贵言。
English translation
Calm and unhurried, such a ruler values words and uses them sparingly.
Valuing words means avoiding casual orders and promises. Speaking little but keeping one’s word leaves people room to act for themselves.
Original Chinese text
功成事遂，百姓皆谓我自然。
English translation
When the work is completed and the task succeeds, the people all say, “We did it naturally, by ourselves.”
Good governance does not seize credit. It creates the conditions in which people can accomplish the work and experience the result as their own.