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Tao Te Ching Chapter 3 | Lao-Tzu | Comparative Translations

The Way of Virtue





Not to value and employ men of superior ability is the way to keep the people from rivalry among themselves; not to prize articles which are difficult to procure is the way to keep them from becoming thieves; not to show them what is likely to excite their desires is the way to keep their minds from disorder. Therefore the sage, in the exercise of his government, empties their minds, fills their bellies, weakens their wills, and strengthens their bones. He constantly (tries to) keep them without knowledge and without desire, and where there are those who have knowledge, to keep them from presuming to act (on it). When there is this abstinence from action, good order is universal.

If you overesteem great men,

people become powerless.

If you overvalue possessions,

people begin to steal.


The Master leads

by emptying people's minds

and filling their cores,

by weakening their ambition

and toughening their resolve.


He helps people lose everything

they know, everything they desire,

and creates confusion

in those who think that they know.


Practice not-doing,

and everything will fall into place.




Translated by J. Legge





Translated by Stephen Mitchell










 

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