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How Leaders Should Act

If you don’t know the writings of Laozi in the Tao Te Ching from approximately 500-300 BCE, it’s worth getting to know them. This is considered by most learned people to be one of the greatest philosophical works ever written.

I was drawn to a particular chapter today that seemed wisdom for world leadership:

“If anyone with the aspiration to rule the world exerts efforts toward this,

I perceive this will most likely be unattainable.

Oh, the world is a Venerated Object,

upon which no effort can be exerted-

they who exert effort upon it will fail, and they who grasp at it will lose.

Things can be either advancing or following,

hot or cold,

tough or bowed,

waxing or waning.

And for this reason sages will

dispense with exaggeration,

dispense with extravagance.”

(translation by J. H. Huang)

What does this all mean? There is no one who has the power to dominate the world. We must treat the world with absolute reverence as our lives are reliant upon it. We must not claim dominion over things as they must exist as they are. If we don’t follow this path, every achievement will be in vain and we might even destroy the world. In their own way, all things exist beyond our control. That is why leaders need to accommodate the world as it is.

There is wisdom to follow from many sources that can correct mankind’s misguided pathways. Education is key to saving our world…but a different kind of education than we find in our school systems. An education based on humanism, wisdom and respect for the Dao (or whatever you believe is the source of enlightenment). An education that helps us all understand how to treat the world and each other with respect and dignity. An education that prevents a domination over others and the world we live in.

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Throughout history, the relevance of Arts and Culture has been debated. If our current education system in Ontario is a beacon for the current views, then it is considered a superfluous commodity.

I’m in the process of reading Mark Carney’s book “Value(s): Building a Better World for All”. This was published in 2021, long before a conceived run for Canadian politics.

Firstly, the book is really erudite. It covers the history of economies in various cultures from the beginnings of recorded history. Even though it is a heavy read, I highly recommend it as a deep dive into where we’ve come from and where we are now concerning economic and social values. It also speaks to the changes we need to make to have an economy that serves everyone and not just the few greedy men.

How does this economist view art and culture?

Firstly, he believes that societal values extend beyond economic metrics. He believe that art and culture contribute to our collective well-being, identity and sense of community. Carney also believes that art and culture build social capital, empathy, shared experiences and foster trust and cooperation.

Concerning the value of art and culture during economic crises, Prime Minister Carney recognizes their roles in keeping mental health and social unity. Carney believes that we need to redefine value beyond monetary considerations that include human dignity and creativity alongside economic stability.

This is a leader who believes in a morally grounded economy with shared identity and non-material wealth. What a refreshing contrast to those who just want to lower taxes, cut services and have a “me first” society.

Canadians have a real choice to make. I hope we choose values that get to the core of who we are. Those values are rooted deeply in arts and culture. Values that have us build strong community, identity and social wealth.