Some have named the Wenzi (Wen Tzu) the fourth most influential Daoist text after the Dao De Jing, Zhuangzi, and Liezi. However, scholars have questioned its authenticity because it contains Confucianist, Legalist, and Mohist philosophies. In 1973, an early form of the Wenzi was discovered in Dingzhou, China (Creativity and Intertextuality, pages 8, 23, 25, 32, 61-65, 81, and 84).
Its teaching on virtue contradicts Daoist thought and is more consistent with a Confucianist approach.
Confucian Virtue
The Dingzhou Wenzi follows the Confucian teaching that a leader is the one who brings order to society.
“Therefore, if those who possess the Way preside over the world, then the
world is in order.“Bambo Fragment 0717
It says a leader should possess the four qualities of virtue, compassion, propriety, and righteousness.
“If you do not show kindness and care, they cannot be successful.“
“Without virtue, those below will feel resentment.“
“If he lacks righteousness, those below will be violent. If he lacks ritual propriety, those below will rebel. If these four… are not established, this is called ‘lacking the Way’“
Bamboo fragments 0600, 0591, 0895, and 0969
Under this hierarchical approach a leader should correct the people like a father corrects his children.
“I, your servant, have heard that those who are king ought to correct immoral people and make them upright, put down chaos in the world and turn it into order.“
Bamboo fragments 1172 and 0820
A leader is virtuous when they are not arrogant or heavy-handed.
“Lead them by means of the Way…them by means of virtue; do not show off your worthiness or pressure them with your strength;“
Bamboo fragments 0855 and 0869
If a leader remains virtuous, the people will enjoy success.
“then they complete their deeds and enjoy good fortune.”
Bamboo fragment 0625
If a leader does not remain virtuous, the people will rebel or flee.
“the realm can be ordered. However, if you do not lead them with the Way, they will leave you and disperse.”
“the people will turn their back on you and revolt. If you show off your worthiness, the people will be contentious.”
Bamboo fragments 0898 and 0826
Daoist Virtue
Unlike Confucianism, a Daoist believes that a person does not need to deliberately try to be virtuous. This is because they automatically are by following the Dao. It is a byproduct of being in harmony with the Dao.
“So, the Way gives birth to them, Nourishes them, Raises them, Nurtures them, Protects them, Matures them, Takes care of them. It gives birth without seizing, Helps without claim, Fosters without ruling. This is called the profound virtue.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 51
If a leader follows the Dao, then all things are taken care of and success follows. There is no need for a top down approach where a leader teaches propriety to the people. The leader simply gives people the freedom to follow the Dao themselves.
“The Way is ever nameless. Though simple and subtle, The world cannot lead it. If princes and kings could follow it, All things would by themselves abide, Heaven and Earth would unite And sweet dew would fall.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 32
A leader does not need to correct the people because the people find their own harmony when they follow the Dao.
“People would by themselves find harmony, Without being commanded.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 32
Conclusion
The Dingzhou Wenzi follows the Confucianist approach that a leader must be virtuous in order to have an ordered society. Under this hierarchical system, a leader must correct the people when they misbehave. This goes against Daoist teaching where one simply needs to follow the Dao and virtue and success follows. Under this more egalitarian approach a leader gives people the freedom to follow the Dao in their own lives and in doing so will find harmony.
Resources
The Wenzi: Creativity and Intertextuality in Early Chinese Philosophy (Studies in the History of Chinese Texts, 9), Paul Van Els, Brill Academic Publisher, 2018. Quotes taken from this source found on pages 26, 50, 69-70, 89-92
Els, P. van. (2006, May 29). The Wenzi: creation and manipulation of a Chinese
philosophical text. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/1887/4428.
Daoism 