Chapter 68: Living by Cooperating
“The best warrior leads without anger,
fights without hatred,
and wins without violence.
The best leader puts others before himself.
This is called the virtue of non-competition.
This is called using the strength of others.
This is called perfect cooperation with Heaven.”
— Tao Te Ching, Verse 68
In this verse, Lao Tzu redefines strength and leadership—not as conquest, domination, or aggression, but as cooperation, humility, and non-contention. Wayne Dyer teaches that true mastery lies in aligning with the Tao’s peaceful nature and resisting the urge to control or compete.
This kind of living is countercultural. In a world that rewards “winners” and punishes vulnerability, the Tao invites us to transcend ego and practice power through partnership rather than power over others.
Living by cooperating doesn’t mean becoming passive. It means tapping into a higher intelligence that flows through non-resistance, unity, and shared strength.
Key Themes
- Cooperation is stronger than domination
- Leading with humility is the Taoist ideal
- Non-competition aligns with universal harmony
- Victory without ego is true mastery
- Letting go of anger and hatred opens the way to peace
Actionable Steps: Living by Cooperating
- Lead Without Needing to Win
- In meetings or discussions, aim to uplift everyone instead of “being right.”
- Ask yourself: “How can we succeed together?”
- Respond to Conflict with Calmness
- Pause before reacting. Choose understanding over aggression.
- Say inwardly: “There’s no enemy here—only misunderstanding.”
- Embrace the Strength of Others
- Invite input, ideas, and collaboration from those around you.
- Celebrate others’ talents without comparison or jealousy.
- Let Go of the Urge to Compete
- Whether in business, relationships, or daily life, observe when competition arises.
- Instead, affirm: “Their success doesn’t diminish mine.”
- Be a Peaceful Presence
- Walk into a space and bring stillness, not dominance.
- Offer support, not control.
Mantra for Living by Cooperating
“I lead by love, not force. I grow by joining, not competing.”
Repeat this mantra when you feel the urge to prove, control, or win. Let it anchor you back into the peaceful power of the Tao.
