Tao Te Ching, 17

The best (rulers) are those whose existence is (merely) known by the people.

The next best are those who are loved and praised.

The next are those who are feared.

And the next are those who are despised.

It is only when one does not have enough faith in others that others will have no faith in him.

[The great rulers] value their words highly.

They accomplish their task; they complete their work.

Nevertheless their people say that they simply follow Nature (Tzu-jan). (Tao Te Ching, 17)

Today, I would try to interpret the above text from the topic " Government of Non-interference ".

It can be understood from the text that the best ruler is that someone who never impose things on his people. He is someone who believes in the capacity of his people thus he does not force them to do what he wants them to do. He gives freedom to his people and because of this he is being loved by them. They support him in his plans. Because of the support of the people, all of the ruler's plans are accomplished. He can do what he wants because he has the support of the people.