Chapter 58 speaks about how rulers' governorship style shapes their people's nature. When leadership is gentle and simple, people become honest and content. When leadership is sharp and intrusive, people become wary and guarded. This chapter reveals the mysterious way fortune and misfortune transform into each other, and how the sage maintains balance in all things.
Key Concepts
祸福
闷闷
政治
Cite This Chapter
Laozi, Tao Te Ching, Chapter 58, "Mfumu ya zitu kionswe", laotzu.ai: https://www.laotzu.ai/kg/chapters/58/
Classical Chinese, translation, and AI reflection are shown separately; cite this chapter URL for references.
Mfumu ya zitu kionswe, bantu bayo bakwenda kunsi zola. Mfumu ya zitu kanianga kaka, bantu bayo bakwenda kunsi sumuka. Kati diavwandama kena, veka veka ya yintshidila. Yeka veka ya vwandama kena, kati diavwandama veka. Nlongola kena mia nlongola, yintu ye yetu kunswe ye kunsi. Mbangi mia yintu yikwenda kunsi zola, mvu mvu kunsi zola. Nani ulwa yintu ye makasi? Iwala kana kabidi kuvwandama ye. Kuvwandama keka, kuvwandama kenda kunsi zola. Yintu yi miandama, mbangi yambi ye mvu mvu. Bantu bakwenda kunsi sumuka mu kinkulu kia nitu. Mu nzila ye yau, umwana ua lumu una ye nkosi kana kabidi kufwama, ukana ye nzubu kana kabidi kufwama, ukana kwikama kana kabidi kuluala. Aka kamu kavwandama, lumu luvwandama kana kabidi kudilama.
Makanisi ya Nda
Lukanda lowo etangaka na nki?
Chapter 58 speaks about how rulers' governorship style shapes their people's nature. When leadership is gentle and simple, people become honest and content. When leadership is sharp and intrusive, people become wary and guarded. This chapter reveals the mysterious way fortune and misfortune transform into each other, and how the sage maintains balance in all things.
Luzolele bwanki na moyo na ngai?
In my own life, I see how my own harshness or gentleness affects those around me. When I am strict and demanding, my family and friends become defensive. When I am patient and understanding, they open up to me. This chapter teaches me to watch my own heart and how my energy affects others.
Nakosala nki lelu?
Today I will observe my own reactions when I want to control or judge others. Instead of being 'sharp' with words or expectations, I will practice gentle presence. When someone makes a mistake, I will respond with patience rather than criticism.
The government that seems the most unwise, Oft goodness to the people best supplies; That which is meddling, touching everything, Will work but ill, and disappointment bring. Misery! happiness is to be found by its side! Happiness! misery lurks beneath it! Therefore the sage is (like) a square which cuts no one (with its angles); (like) a corner which injures no one (with its sharpness). He is straightforward, but allows himself no license; he is bright, but does not dazzle.
AI Modern
Mfumu ya zitu kionswe, bantu bayo bakwenda kunsi zola. Mfumu ya zitu kanianga kaka, bantu bayo bakwenda kunsi sumuka. Kati diavwandama kena, veka veka ya yintshidila. Yeka veka ya vwandama kena, kati diavwandama veka. Nlongola kena mia nlongola, yintu ye yetu kunswe ye kunsi. Mbangi mia yintu yikwenda kunsi zola, mvu mvu kunsi zola. Nani ulwa yintu ye makasi? Iwala kana kabidi kuvwandama ye. Kuvwandama keka, kuvwandama kenda kunsi zola. Yintu yi miandama, mbangi yambi ye mvu mvu. Bantu bakwenda kunsi sumuka mu kinkulu kia nitu. Mu nzila ye yau, umwana ua lumu una ye nkosi kana kabidi kufwama, ukana ye nzubu kana kabidi kufwama, ukana kwikama kana kabidi kuluala. Aka kamu kavwandama, lumu luvwandama kana kabidi kudilama.
Makanisi Yami
What does this chapter inspire in you? How will you apply it?
