I really like the Daodejing on this topic. Chapter 17: The greatest of rulers is but a shadowy presence; Next is the ruler who is loved and praised; Next is

I really like the Daodejing on this topic. Chapter 17: The greatest of rulers is but a shadowy presence; Next is the ruler who is loved and praised; Next is the one who is feared; Next is the one who is reviled. Those lacking in trust are not trusted. However, [the greatest rulers] are cautious and honor words. When their task is done and work complete, Their people all say, "This is just how we are." Chapter 29: Those who would gain the world and do something with it, I see that they will fail. For the world is a spiritual vessel and one cannot put it to use. Those who use it ruin it. Those who grab hold of it lose it. [...] (Phillip J. Ivanhoe translation)