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为学日益，
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In the pursuit of knowledge, more is added every day. |
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为道日损。
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In the practice of Dao, more is discarded every day. |
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损之又损，
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Continually reducing, |
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以至于无为。
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Until reaching effortless action. |
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无为而无不为。
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When there is no action, nothing is left undone. |
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取天下常以无事，
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To rule the world, let events take their course. |
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及其有事，
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Attempting to control events, |
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不足以取天下。
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One is not suited to rule the world. |