THREE
Not praising those with exceptional skill
avoids struggle.
Not valuing rare treasures avoids theft.
Not gazing upon objects of desire avoids
rebellion of the heart.
And so the sage rules over empty hearts
and full bellies, weak ambitions and strong bones.
Under his governance, the people live
without knowledge and without desire; clever men dare not interfere.
If you would only do without doing, the
order maintains itself.
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