Master Zhuang is the second most influential writer in Daoism and the book Zhuangzi was named after him. Chapter Seven is Fit for Emperors and Kings and describes what leadership should look like.
Manipulation
Some leaders try to convince others to join them by being kind, making friends, and building relationships. The sage makes no effort to convince others. They simply exist in the moment and accept life as it is.
“Youyu was no match for the clansman Tai. The clansman Youyu still held on to benevolence and worked to win men over. He won men over all right, but he never got out into [the realm of] ‘notman.’ The clansman Tai, now—he lay down peaceful and easy; he woke up wide-eyed and blank. Sometimes he thought he was a horse; sometimes he thought he was a cow. His understanding was truly trustworthy; his virtue was perfectly true. He never entered [the realm of] ‘nonman.”
Rules
Most leaders create rules and regulations for their followers to ensure proper behavior. The sage resists making rules, but ensures they are correct before they act. Even then, they still only act in a limited way to create space for others to live.
“When the sage governs, does he govern what is on the outside? He makes sure of himself first, and then he acts. He makes absolutely certain that things can do what they are supposed to do, that is all.”
Freedom
Many leaders lord it over others. The sage goes along with life and doesn’t allow their personal views to affect others. They influence others but don’t let people depend on them. They give others freedom to live their life.
“Let your mind wander in simplicity, blend your spirit with the vastness, follow along with things the way they are, and make no room for personal views—then the world will be governed.”
Do Nothing At All
The sage does not try to move quickly or gain strength. They do not strive or study. It seems as if they do nothing at all, yet everything gets accomplished. They are not arrogant. They do not seek fame, plan, scheme, or seek out wisdom. They are content with what they have.
“Lao Dan said, “The government of the enlightened king? His achievements blanket the world but appear not to be his own doing. His transforming influence touches the ten thousand things, but the people do not depend on him. With him there is no promotion or praise—he lets everything find its own enjoyment. He takes his stand on what cannot be fathomed and wanders where there is nothing at all.”
Emptiness
The sage is connected to the earth. They are calm, still, and reflective. They are of this world yet aware of all existence. They adapt to the situation and seek balance. They are empty and do not get entangled. They do not try to understand the external world but attempt to become empty inwardly.
“Just now I appeared to him with the Pattern of Earth—still and silent, nothing moving, nothing standing up. Just now I appeared to him as Heaven and Earth—no name or substance to it, but still the workings, coming up from the heels. Just now I appeared to him as the Great Vastness Where Nothing Wins Out. Where the swirling waves! gather, there is an abyss. Just now I appeared to him as Not Yet Emerged from My Source. I came at him empty, wriggling and turning, not knowing anything about ‘who’ or ‘what,’ now dipping and bending, now flowing in waves.”
Conclusion
The sage does not try to convince others to their cause. They exist in the moment. They do not create rules for others to follow but only take limited action. They positively influence others but never manipulate them. The give others the space to be themselves. The sage does not strive yet accomplishes everything that is needed. The sage works towards emptiness. They are calm, reflective, and do not get entangled. They are a mirror reflecting things around them.
“Do not be an embodier for fame; do not be a storehouse of schemes; do not be an undertaker of projects; do not be a proprietor of wisdom. Embody to the fullest what has no end and wander where there is no trail. Hold on to all that you have received from Heaven, but do not think you have gotten anything. Be empty, that is all. The Perfect Man uses his mind like a mirror—going after nothing, welcoming nothing, responding but not storing. Therefore he can win out over things and not hurt himself. ”
Daoism 