FORMATIVE INFLUENCE

The sage is a fresh page.
The pen leaves a few choice words
- pregnant with meaning.

  The sage is a blank sheet.
The brush moves with daring energy
- to form a character.

The sage is shapeless clay.
Deftly, a figure is moulded and cut
- to reach out in greeting.

Formally?
Personally!

  'The little child' and 'the uncarved block' are popular Taoist metaphors for an unclouded, guileless or uncritical state of being.
This is regarded as a source or springboard for meaningful action or development, and its eventual point of return or settlement.

'Yielding' the grip of sclerotic opinions on the personality strengthens personal development. 'Following' Tao cultivates leadership.
Receptivity - to fresh ideas and concepts - is essential to creativity. Returning to first principles allows alternative potentials to emerge.

MINOR ADJUSTMENTS