The Gravity of Power

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The Gravity of Power

"Gravity is the foundation of levity. Stillness is the master of agitation. Thus enlightened people can travel the whole day without leaving behind their baggage."

"However arresting the views, they can remain calm and unattached. How can leaders with ten thousand chariots have a light-hearted position in the world?"

"If they are light-hearted, they lose their foundation, if they are agitated, they lose their mastery."

It's the responsibility of enlightened leaders to create a calm centre that will serve as the foundation for their organisation. Regardless of the stimulating diversions in their path, they must retain their composure and sense of purpose.

They don't let themselves be separated from their "baggage" (i.e. their gravity) and thus they maintain their position through serious-mindedness. The concept of "ten thousand chariots" is one of unimaginable power, on the scale of nuclear power today.

Lao Tzu believed that leaders with such power have an awesome responsibi lity and can be neither light-hearted nor agitated. (26)

A leader must remain calm and be in control of themselves if people are to have confidence in them.

Published by: David Tuffley (January 2000) | Home Page