Chapter 58
When Government Goes Light
58.1. The government that seems the most unwise, Oft goodness to the people best supplies; That which is meddling, touching everything, Will work but ill, and disappointment bring. Misery!—happiness is to be found by its side! Happiness!—misery lurks beneath it! Who knows what either will come to in the end? 2. Shall we then dispense with correction? The (method of) correction shall by a turn become distortion, and the good in it shall by a turn become evil. The delusion of the people (on this point) has indeed subsisted for a long time. 3. Therefore the sage is (like)…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Control vs. Trust Audit
Think of a situation where you currently feel the urge to control or monitor someone closely - a teenager, employee, or partner. Write down what you're trying to prevent from happening, then honestly assess whether your controlling behavior might actually be creating that exact outcome. Finally, brainstorm one way you could step back while still maintaining clear expectations.
Consider:
- •Consider whether your control comes from fear or from actual evidence of problems
- •Think about what message your level of oversight sends to the other person
- •Ask yourself if you're solving the right problem or just treating symptoms
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone's trust in you helped you rise to the occasion, or when someone's micromanagement made you perform worse. What did you learn about your own response to being controlled versus being trusted?
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