以正治国,
|
Lead the nation with integrity, |
以奇用兵,
|
Deploy unexpected tactics in war, |
以无事取天下。
|
Achieve world control through non-interference. |
吾何以知其然哉?
|
How do I know this to be true? |
以此:
|
Because: |
天下多忌讳,
|
The more prohibitions there are, |
而民弥贫;
|
The poorer the people become; |
人多利器,
|
The sharper the tools, |
国家滋昏;
|
The more chaotic the state; |
人多伎巧,
|
The more exquisite the crafts, |
奇物滋起;
|
The stranger things appear; |
法令滋彰,
|
The more regulations, |
盗贼多有。
|
The more thieves and robbers. |
故圣人云:
|
Thus, the sage says: |
我无为,
|
I practice non-action, |
而民自化;
|
And the people transform themselves; |
我好静,
|
I cherish tranquility, |
而民自正;
|
And the people become just; |
我无事,
|
I avoid meddling, |
而民自富;
|
And the people enrich themselves; |
我无欲,
|
I have no desires, |
而民自朴。
|
And the people return to simplicity. |