← Table of contents Tao Te Ching illustration
不尚贤,
Bù shàng xián,
Not exalting the virtuous prevents competition.
使民不争;
Shǐ mín bù zhēng;
Not valuing rare treasures prevents theft.
不贵难得之货,
Bù guì nán dé zhī huò,
Not showing what is desirable keeps the heart tranquil.
使民不为盗;
Shǐ mín bù wéi dào;
Thus, the wise govern by emptying minds,
不见可欲,
Bù jiàn kě yù,
Filling bellies,
使民心不乱。
Shǐ mín xīn bù luàn.
Weakening ambitions,
是以「圣人」之治,
Shì yǐ "shèngrén" zhī zhì,
Strengthening bones.
虚其心,
Xū qí xīn,
Always keeping the people unknowing,
实其腹,
Shí qí fù,
Without desires.
弱其志,
Ruò qí zhì,
Ensuring those who know do not dare to interfere.
强其骨。
Qiáng qí gǔ.
By practicing non-action,
常使民无知无欲。
Cháng shǐ mín wúzhī wú yù.
All will be well.