The Enduring Flow of the Dao: Wisdom from the Seventh Verse of the Daodejing

Verse 7 by Lao Zi: 天长地久。天地所以能长且久者，以其不自生，故能长生。是以圣人后其身而身先；外其身而身存。非以其无私耶？故能成其私。

“Heaven and Earth endure.
The reason Heaven and Earth can endure
Is because they do not live for themselves;
Thus, they can live forever.

Therefore, the sage places themselves last,
And yet they come first;
They put themselves outside,
And yet they are preserved.

Is it not because they are selfless
That they can achieve their own fulfillment?”

Related verses:

Verse 5 by Lao Zi: 天地不仁，以万物为刍狗；圣人不仁，以百姓为刍狗。天地之间，其犹橐龠乎？虚而不屈，动而愈出。多言数穷，不如守中。”

Verse 3 by Lao Zi: 不尚贤，使民不争；不贵难得之货，使民不为盗；不见可欲，使心不乱。是以圣人之治，虚其心，实其腹，弱其志，强其骨。常使民无知无欲。使夫知者不敢为也。为无为，则无不治。

Verse 2 by Lao Zi: 天下皆知美之为美，斯恶已。皆知善之为善，斯不善已。故有无相生，难易相成，长短相较，高下相倾，音声相和，前后相随。是以圣人处无为之事，行不言之教；万物作焉而不辞，生而不有。为而不恃，功成而弗居。夫唯弗居，是以不去。

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Lessons from the Seventh Verse of the Daodejing for Individuals and Leaders

The seventh verse of the Daodejing offers profound wisdom on selflessness, leadership, and the natural flow of life. Laozi presents Heaven and Earth as models of endurance and teaches that individuals and leaders who act without self-interest ultimately thrive.

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Lessons for Individuals: Living in Harmony with the Dao

1. Let Go of Self-Interest to Find True Fulfillment

• Laozi states that Heaven and Earth endure because they do not exist for themselves.
• Individuals who focus less on personal gain and more on living in harmony with the natural flow of life will experience greater peace and fulfillment.
• Practical Application:
  • Instead of obsessing over recognition, success, or status, focus on meaningful actions.
  • Trust that when you align with the Dao (natural order), things fall into place effortlessly.

2. True Strength Comes from Humility

• Laozi says “the sage puts himself behind, yet he comes first”—suggesting that by not seeking dominance, one naturally rises.
• This challenges modern ideas of aggressive ambition; instead, it promotes quiet confidence and humility as pathways to success.
• Practical Application:
  • Avoid seeking validation or pushing yourself forward aggressively—allow your actions and character to speak for you.
  • Those who serve and uplift others naturally gain influence and respect.

3. The Power of Non-Attachment

• The sage “detaches from himself, yet he is preserved”—teaching that clinging to control, status, or material wealth leads to stress, while letting go leads to contentment.
• Practical Application:
  • Release attachment to outcomes—whether in career, relationships, or personal growth.
  • Trust that life unfolds naturally when we act without selfish motives.

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Lessons for Leaders: The Way of the Sage

1. The Best Leaders Serve Others First

• Laozi teaches that true leadership is selfless:
  • A leader who puts the needs of others first will earn loyalty and respect.
  • Leaders who prioritize power or ego will ultimately lose both.
• Practical Application:
  • Lead by serving, not controlling.
  • Cultivate an environment of trust, humility, and fairness.
  • Great leaders listen more than they command.

2. Lead with Non-Interference (Wu Wei, 无为)

• Laozi’s principle of wu wei (effortless action) applies to leadership:
  • Do not micromanage—allow things to unfold naturally while guiding subtly.
  • A leader should create an environment where people can thrive on their own, without excessive intervention.
• Practical Application:
  • Empower others rather than control them.
  • Trust your team, give them space, and allow creativity to emerge naturally.

3. Selflessness Leads to Lasting Influence

• Laozi asks: “Is it not because he is selfless that he achieves his own fulfillment?”
• This means that a leader who acts without selfish motives gains genuine influence—while those who seek power for themselves ultimately fall.
• Practical Application:
  • Approach leadership with integrity and humility rather than ambition for personal gain.
  • Focus on the greater good, and in return, you will be valued and remembered.

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Conclusion: The Paradox of Selflessness

The seventh verse of the Daodejing reveals a profound paradox: by letting go, you gain more.

• As an individual, stop chasing success—align with the Dao, and it will come naturally.
• As a leader, do not dominate—serve others, and they will follow you willingly.

Laozi’s wisdom reminds us that true strength, success, and fulfillment come not from grasping but from releasing, not from forcing but from flowing with the natural way.

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Applying the Seventh Verse of the Daodejing to International Relations and Foreign Policy

The seventh verse of the Daodejing presents a vision of selfless leadership, endurance, and the paradox of influence—themes that have direct relevance to modern international relations. Laozi teaches that true power comes not from dominance but from restraint, service, and alignment with the natural order.

However, global politics often operate under zero-sum thinking, where one country’s gain is perceived as another’s loss. The dynamics of tariffs, protectionism, and geopolitical competition create an environment of self-interest, short-term advantages, and power struggles. The wisdom from the Daodejing suggests an alternative approach—one based on long-term endurance, mutual benefit, and non-coercive leadership.

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1. The Paradox of Selflessness in Global Leadership

Verse 7 states:

“The sage puts himself behind, yet he comes first.
He detaches from himself, yet he is preserved.”

Application to International Relations:

• Countries that aggressively prioritize short-term gains at the expense of others (e.g., imposing harsh tariffs, economic sanctions, or resource hoarding) may gain momentary advantages but risk damaging long-term relationships and isolating themselves.
• In contrast, countries that practice strategic patience, cooperation, and mutual benefit tend to develop stronger, more resilient global partnerships—which ultimately makes them more powerful and respected.

Example:

• The Marshall Plan (Post-WWII U.S. Economic Aid to Europe)
  • Instead of exploiting war-ravaged European countries for immediate economic gain, the U.S. invested in rebuilding Europe.
  • This act created long-term allies and economic prosperity, strengthening both Europe and the U.S. over time.
  • The result? The U.S. became the dominant world power not through control, but through support and economic diplomacy.

Current U.S. Policy Shift:

• The Trump administration’s second term has embraced a more protectionist, unilateral approach, withdrawing from global tax agreements and reducing foreign aid to focus on domestic interests.
• While this aligns with a short-term strategy of national self-preservation, the Daodejing suggests that a more interconnected, selfless approach ultimately leads to greater stability and influence.

Lesson: A country that prioritizes global stability over short-term dominance will endure longer and gain more influence in the long run.

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2. The Role of Non-Attachment and Non-Coercion

Verse 7 states:

“Is it not because he is selfless that he achieves his own fulfillment?”

Application to International Relations:

• Countries that try to force their dominance through economic coercion, military threats, or aggressive trade policies often face backlash and resistance.
• Instead of seeking absolute control, the Daoist approach suggests “non-attachment” (无为, wu wei)—allowing trade and diplomatic relationships to evolve organically rather than through forceful intervention.

Example:

• China’s Belt and Road Initiative vs. U.S. Economic Alliances
  • China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) attempts to gain influence by funding infrastructure in developing nations, but its debt-trap diplomacy has led to suspicion and pushback.
  • The U.S., by contrast, has traditionally used coalitions and soft power (e.g., G7 economic policies, free trade agreements) to build influence without coercion.
  • However, recent shifts in U.S. international policy suggest a more unilateral and protectionist approach, which risks reducing its global influence.

Current U.S. Policy Shift:

• The U.S. withdrew from the OECD global tax deal, citing concerns that it disproportionately benefits European nations.
• This signals a move away from multilateralism and toward a more self-focused economic strategy.
• If the U.S. continues to retreat from international cooperation, it may lose its long-standing ability to shape global economic policies.

Lesson: A country that builds alliances based on mutual respect, rather than coercion, will endure longer and wield greater influence.

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3. The Daoist View on Tariffs and Protectionism

Verse 7 states:

“The reason Heaven and Earth can last so long is because they do not live for themselves.
Therefore, they can endure.”

Application to Global Trade:

• Protectionist policies (e.g., tariffs, trade barriers) can create short-term advantages but often lead to retaliation, economic inefficiencies, and stagnation.
• Nations that adopt a long-term perspective—favoring open markets, fair competition, and shared prosperity—foster global economic growth, which ultimately benefits them as well.

Example:

• The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act (1930) vs. Post-WWII Free Trade Agreements
  • In the 1930s, the U.S. imposed high tariffs to protect its industries, but other countries retaliated, leading to a global trade collapse and worsening the Great Depression.
  • After WWII, free trade agreements (e.g., WTO, NAFTA, EU trade deals) helped economies recover, proving that openness and interdependence lead to long-term success.

Current U.S. Policy Shift:

• The Trump administration’s second term has threatened to place tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, leading to trade tensions.
• Withdrawing from multilateral trade agreements risks isolating the U.S. and reducing economic opportunities.
• The Daoist principle suggests that excessive protectionism weakens rather than strengthens a nation in the long run.

Lesson: The country that acts for global economic health, rather than short-term self-interest, will ultimately gain the most.

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4. Balancing National Interests with Global Responsibility

The Dao does not call for complete passivity—a country must still act in its own interest. However, it suggests that true leadership is not about domination, but about setting an example through self-restraint, wisdom, and long-term vision.

Practical Applications for Policymakers:

1. Avoid Extreme Protectionism – Instead of outright trade wars, create fair trade policies that balance national and global prosperity.
2. Promote Mutual Benefits – Rather than exploiting weaker economies, invest in long-term stability through cooperation.
3. Use Soft Power Diplomacy – The most influential countries are not those that force compliance but those that naturally attract partners through cultural, economic, and technological leadership.
4. Practice Non-Interference (Wu Wei, 无为) – Not every global issue requires direct intervention; sometimes letting the natural order play out leads to better outcomes than forced interference.

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Final Conclusion: Daoist Leadership in Global Politics

The seventh verse of the Daodejing provides a compelling alternative to aggressive, zero-sum international relations. It suggests that:

• Nations that prioritize the collective good over short-term gains will endure.
• The most powerful countries lead not by force, but by example.
• True global influence comes from creating shared prosperity, not from domination.

Current U.S. Direction vs. Daoist Wisdom

• The U.S. shift toward protectionism and unilateral policies reflects a departure from long-term, selfless leadership.
• If continued, this approach may weaken its global position—in contrast to the Daoist lesson that those who serve others ultimately rise to power naturally.

If international policymakers embraced Laozi’s wisdom, the world might see fewer conflicts, fewer trade wars, and more sustainable cooperation—leading to a more stable and interconnected future.

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Word-for-Word Breakdown and Translation

Line 1: 天长地久

• 天 (tiān) – Heaven, sky
• 长 (cháng) – Long, enduring
• 地 (dì) – Earth, ground
• 久 (jiǔ) – Long-lasting

Translation:
“Heaven is long-lasting, and Earth endures.”

Meaning:

• The Dao manifests in nature’s endurance.
• Heaven and Earth are eternal because they do not exist for themselves but follow the natural order.

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Line 2: 天地所以能长且久者，以其不自生，故能长生

• 天地 (tiān dì) – Heaven and Earth
• 所以 (suǒ yǐ) – The reason why
• 能 (néng) – Can, able to
• 长且久 (cháng qiě jiǔ) – Long-lasting and enduring
• 以 (yǐ) – Because
• 其 (qí) – Their, its
• 不自生 (bù zì shēng) – Do not live for themselves
• 故 (gù) – Therefore
• 能长生 (néng cháng shēng) – Can endure and live long

Translation:
“The reason Heaven and Earth can last so long is because they do not live for themselves. Therefore, they can endure.”

Meaning:

• Heaven and Earth sustain life without attachment, following the Dao effortlessly.
• Their selflessness allows them to persist indefinitely.

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Line 3: 是以圣人后其身而身先，外其身而身存

• 是以 (shì yǐ) – Therefore
• 圣人 (shèng rén) – The sage (wise person, enlightened ruler)
• 后其身 (hòu qí shēn) – Puts himself behind
• 而 (ér) – Yet, but
• 身先 (shēn xiān) – He is placed ahead
• 外其身 (wài qí shēn) – Places himself outside (detaches from self-interest)
• 而 (ér) – Yet
• 身存 (shēn cún) – He remains, he is preserved

Translation:
“Thus, the sage puts himself behind, yet he comes first.
He detaches from himself, yet he is preserved.”

Meaning:

• A true leader does not prioritize himself, yet he ends up being the most respected and effective.
• The sage follows the principle of non-attachment (wu wei, 无为)—by not grasping for status or power, he naturally rises.
• Selflessness leads to true fulfillment.

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Line 4: 非以其无私邪？故能成其私

• 非 (fēi) – Is it not? (rhetorical question)
• 以 (yǐ) – Because
• 其 (qí) – His, its
• 无私 (wú sī) – Selfless, without selfish desires
• 邪 (yé) – (Rhetorical particle, like a question mark)
• 故 (gù) – Therefore
• 能成 (néng chéng) – Can accomplish, can achieve
• 其私 (qí sī) – His personal (true self, fulfillment)

Translation:
“Is it not because he is selfless that he achieves his own fulfillment?”

Meaning:

• True success comes from selflessness—the less we seek personal gain, the more naturally it comes.
• The paradox of the Dao: By giving up control, one gains everything.
• This aligns with the Daoist principle of non-attachment, where success and harmony arise when we act without selfish motives.

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Overall Meaning of Verse 7

1. Heaven and Earth last because they do not act for themselves.
   • They serve the whole without attachment, embodying the Dao.
2. The sage follows this principle by putting others first.
   • Through humility and detachment, he paradoxically becomes a great leader.
3. True fulfillment comes from selflessness.
   • The less we seek personal gain, the more naturally it flows to us.

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Modern Applications of Verse 7

• Leadership: The best leaders serve others, not themselves. They prioritize the well-being of their people rather than seeking power or fame.
• Personal Growth: Let go of ego-driven ambitions; focus on meaningful actions rather than personal recognition.
• Relationships: Prioritizing others and acting with genuine care leads to deeper and more fulfilling connections.
• Success: Those who chase success directly often struggle; those who follow their purpose and serve naturally find success.

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Conclusion

Verse 7 teaches selflessness, humility, and the power of non-attachment. By following the Dao, individuals and leaders can achieve true longevity, fulfillment, and harmony—just as Heaven and Earth have endured for eternity.