For, given territory, there is the great thing--Man. Given man, he must not be managed as if he were a mere thing; though by not managing him at all he may actually be managed as if he were a mere thing. And for those who understand that the management of man as if he were a mere thing is not the way to manage him, the issue is not confined to mere government of the empire. Such men may wander at will between the six limits of space or travel over the continent of earth, unrestrained in coming and in going. This is to be distinguished from one's fellows, and this distinction is the highest attainable by man. The doctrine of the perfect man is to him as shadow to form, as echo to sound. Ask and it responds, fulfilling its mission as the help-mate of humanity. Noiseless in repose, objectless in motion, it guides you to the goal, free to come and free to go for ever without end. Alone in its exits and its entrances, it rivals the eternity of the sun. As for his body, that is in accordance with the usual standard. Being in accordance with the usual standard it is not distinguished in any way. But if not distinguished in any way, what becomes of the distinction by which he is distinguished? Those who see what is to be seen,--of such were the perfect men of old. Those who see what is not to be seen,--they are the chosen of the universe. Spiritual sight carries them beyond the horizon where natural vision stops short. Low in the scale, but still to be allowed for,--matter. Humble, but still to be followed,-- Rather than guided. mankind. Of others, but still to be attended to,--affairs. Harsh, but still necessary to be set forth,--the law. Far off, but still claiming our presence,--duty to one's neighbour. Near, but still claiming extension,--charity. Of sparing use, but still to be of bounteous store,--ceremony. Of middle course, but still to be of lofty scope,--virtue. One, but not to be without modification,--TAO. Spiritual, yet not to be devoid of action,--GOD. In inaction there is action. Therefore the true Sage looks up to God, but does not offer to aid. He perfects his virtue, but does not involve himself. He guides himself by Tao, but makes no plans. He identifies himself with charity, but does not rely on it. He extends to duty towards his neighbour, but does not store it up. He responds to ceremony, without tabooing it. Although really recognising only the ceremony of the heart which requires no outward sign. He undertakes affairs without declining them. He metes out law without confusion. He relies on his fellow-men and does not make light of them. He accommodates himself to matter and does not ignore it. Thus the action of the Sage is after all inaction. While there should be no action, there should be also no inaction. Of a positive, premeditated character.