49. The Sage's Heart
Text
English translation
Original Chinese text
圣人无常心，以百姓心为心。
English translation
The sage has no fixed private mind, but takes the people's concerns as his own.
An exemplary leader does not impose personal assumptions on everyone, but attends to people's circumstances and needs. This is openness and empathy, not unprincipled compliance.
Original Chinese text
善者，吾善之；不善者，吾亦善之；德善。
English translation
Those who are good, I treat with goodness; those who are not good, I also treat with goodness. In this way, goodness becomes true character.
If goodness is offered only in return for goodness, it remains controlled by another person's conduct. Treating wrongdoers humanely does not remove judgment or limits; it keeps one's own character from being shaped by their faults.
Original Chinese text
信者，吾信之；不信者，吾亦信之；德信。
English translation
Those who are trustworthy, I trust; those who are not, I also meet with trust. In this way, virtue fosters trust.
The sage does not let another person's reliability determine his own conduct. By remaining trustworthy himself, he creates room for trust to grow.
Original Chinese text
圣人在天下，歙歙为天下浑其心，百姓皆注其耳目，圣人皆孩之。
English translation
Living among all under heaven, the sage remains restrained and helps their hearts return to an undivided simplicity. The people fix their eyes and ears on what is before them; the sage regards them all as children.
The sage leads without stirring up cleverness or prejudice. He cares for people with patience and helps them become less driven by outward impressions.