Lao-Tzu lived in a period of societal transformation. The “nation state” was arising as the standard political norm and violence, greed, and the desire for power were coming to be the necessary qualities for a leader. Lao-Tzu knew this was contrary to the Tao. He taught a model of the “servant leader” but knew that it was unlikely in the rising complexity of society. What to do?
William Martin 
Thanks for this, Bill. Several years ago, when “the former guy” was in office, I went through the same process. Having read about how he was put down constantly by his father as a child as well as an adult, I found compassion for the the young child he was growing up. And, like all of us, that young child lives on inside of him, shaping who he has become. I don’t want him in any position of power, but neither do I hold him in loathing.
As an aside, I tried to log on to your Sunday chat this morning, only to discover that my travels last week threw me off on the schedule. Sorry to have missed you two! Elizabeth sends her love; we are well and wish the same for you. Have returned to my Metta practice, so you and Nancy are included in my group of friends and family, with daily blessings for joy, health and living a life of love and inclusion coming your way.
In love and inclusion,
Patrick
(I love Buber’s “I-Thou” and credit it for how I have created sacred space for myself at need over the past five decades since reading his seminal text.)
The basic word “I-Thou” can only be spoken with one’s whole being. The concentration and fusion into a whole being can never be accomplished by me; can never be accomplished without me, I require a Thou to become; becoming I, I say Thou. – Martin Buber I and Thou
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