original text
The world is the softest and the world is the strongest. Nothing is infinite, and I know that inaction is beneficial.
Teaching without words is the benefit of inaction, and the world looks forward to it.
Modern translation
The softest thing in the world can control the hardest thing in the world. Invisible forces can penetrate things seamlessly, so I know the benefits of inaction.
The benefits of silent teaching inaction are rare in the world.
I read classical literature.
Water is the softest thing, but it can penetrate mountains and the earth. Laozi said: "Weakness is better than strength" and "promising" measures are signs of strength and should be warned by superiors.
As the old saying goes, "a gentleman is virtuous, a villain is virtuous, and the wind on the grass will be suppressed." The general idea is that the virtue of a gentleman is like the wind, and the virtue of a civilian is like grass. When the wind blows on the grass, the grass will fall in the direction of the wind. Therefore, smart leaders know that it is better to invite people from above and push people from behind than to catch people in front.
There is a saying in the Analects of Confucius: "It is upright and does not order; His body is not right, although he is not obedient. " The general idea is that even if people don't give orders, they will be self-righteous; If they are not correct, even if they give orders, the people will not obey.
If the leader's own conduct is not correct, saying one thing and doing another will make anything look pale and powerless. "Teaching without words is the benefit of inaction, and the world is looking forward to it." Never forget your own initiative, remember your mission and serve the people wholeheartedly, so as to create a harmonious and stable life together.
(The above content belongs to one of the series articles of I Read the Tao Te Ching.)