The Gentle Path
The Tao is simple and direct, yet many stray from it in pursuit of excess and display. When leaders neglect the people while indulging in luxury, they betray the Way and become thieves of the Tao.
If I were suddenly given power,
and asked to lead with the Great Tao,
my greatest fear would be pride—
the show of virtue instead of its practice.
The Tao is simple and smooth,
yet people chase side roads.
They love shortcuts, distractions, display.
Palaces are immaculate,
but the fields lie neglected.
Granaries are bare,
but robes are lavish and swords are sharp.
They eat richly, hoard wealth, flaunt excess.
Such rulers are thieves of the Way.
This is not the Tao.
