Verse 59

59.

There is nothing better than moderation

for governing people and serving nature.

Moderation begins with giving up one’s own ideas.

For those who follow the Tao,

nothing is impossible.

If nothing is impossible, then there are no limits.

If a man knows no limits, he is fit to lead.

Tolerant like the sky,

all-pervading like the sunlight,

supple like a tree in the wind,

he has no destination in view

and makes use of anything

life happens to bring his way.

This is the way to be deeply rooted and

firmly planted in the Tao;

the secret of long life and lasting vision.

This verse urges us to live in moderation and to let go of all our fixed ideas, notions and concepts, which only serve to limit us.

Instead, we are asked to find and embrace the limitless. Only then can we truly be in tune with the Tao; breathing, living and radiating the very rhythm of life.

This is the only real prerequisite for being a great leader, for we are no longer guided by the limited ego and a set of mentally-constructed ideas and concepts, but are instead like an empty flute, through which the breath of life can flow and create the most beautiful, harmonious music. This is the music the world most needs to hear.