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Tao Te Ching · 60 of 81

Chapter 60

Governing a great state is like cooking small fish.

Let the kingdom be governed according to the Tao, and the manes of the departed will not manifest their spiritual energy. It is not that those manes have not that spiritual energy, but it will not be employed to hurt men. It is not that it could not hurt men, but neither does the ruling sage hurt them.

When these two do not injuriously affect each other, their good influences converge in the virtue (of the Tao).

Echoes elsewhere

Chuang Tzu · TaoismIn the one case the abasement leads to gaining adherents, in the other case to procuring favour. 4. The great state only wishes to unite men together and nourish them; a small statThe Sayings of Lao Tzu · Taoismthe world, who by quiescence always overcomes the male. And quiescence is a form of humility. Therefore, if a great kingdom humbles itself before a small kingdom, it shall make thaWhat All the World's A-Seeking · New Thoughtare but as trifles when compared to those greater, more powerful, and all-essential qualities. Is it your ambition to become a great states man? Note the very first thing, then, th