Chapter 53
When Leaders Lose Their Way
53.1. If I were suddenly to become known, and (put into a position to) conduct (a government) according to the Great Tao, what I should be most afraid of would be a boastful display. 2. The great Tao (or way) is very level and easy; but people love the by-ways. 3. Their court(-yards and buildings) shall be well kept, but their fields shall be ill-cultivated, and their granaries very empty. They shall wear elegant and ornamented robes, carry a sharp sword at their girdle, pamper themselves in eating and drinking, and have a superabundance of property and wealth;—such (princes)…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Audit the Performance vs. Purpose
Think of someone in authority you encounter regularly - a boss, teacher, politician, or community leader. List their visible privileges or lifestyle choices in one column, and their actual contributions or results in another column. Then analyze whether these two columns align or if there's a disconnect between what they consume and what they produce.
Consider:
- •Look for gaps between stated mission and personal lifestyle
- •Consider whether their privileges serve the role or just serve them
- •Notice if they make decisions that benefit themselves at others' expense
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you caught yourself caring more about looking important than doing good work. What triggered that shift, and how did you recognize it?
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