CHINESE ORIGINAL
太上，下知有之，其次，亲而誉之，其次，畏之，其次，侮之。
信不足焉，有不信焉。
悠兮其贵言，功成事遂，百姓皆谓：我自然。
ENGLISH · JAMES LEGGE, 1891
In the highest antiquity, (the people) did not know that there were (their rulers). In the next age they loved them and praised them. In the next they feared them; in the next they despised them. Thus it was that when faith (in the Tao) was deficient (in the rulers) a want of faith in them ensued (in the people).
How irresolute did those (earliest rulers) appear, showing (by their reticence) the importance which they set upon their words! Their work was done and their undertakings were successful, while the people all said, 'We are as we are, of ourselves!'
READ IN CONTEXT
Leadership
What happens when a leader makes room for others? Read about restraint, trust, and governing with a light hand.
Leadership