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Tao-te ching, ch. 2

Therefore the sage manages affairs without doing anything,
and conveys his instructions without the use of speech. (James Legge's version).
 

Commentary

Here is a singular idea, should one first come across it: taking care of one's business without actually doing anything.

Considered in the context of chapter 2, this idea grows even quainter. (Please read this chapter in Legge's apprehension - just click here). But this happens only if regarded superficially since the beginning of the chapter stands for a bitter statement about the world and its ways:

All in the world know the beauty of the beautiful, and in doing
this they have (the idea of) what ugliness is.

In these circumstances what can the sage do? He practices nondoing - i.e., he remains withdrawn from public life or displays forethought and reserve when dealing with his siblings. This nondoing must also include the speech item: heeding the proverb "Silence is gold", the learned prefers to keep silent.

An intimation as regards this attitude can be found in hexagram # 47, the K'un - Oppression (Exhaustion) from the I-ching. In the Judgment it is mentioned: "When one has something to say, it is not believed" (Wilhelm's version) (1).

Nonetheless, let us keep in mind that the practice of nondoing is dictated by circumstances and is by no means an absolut method.

Notes:
1. "It is true that for the time being outward influence is denied him [the superior man], because his words have no effect. Therefore in times of adversity it is important to be strong within and sparing of words." (Commentary by R. Wilhelm). Paper by Jhian Yang

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