Lives by [using] non-action in his duties, And practicing no-talking in his teachings. [performs] The ten thousand creatures arise, but do not have a beginning. Creating but not possessing;D ♦Acting, but not concerned with [the results]; [depend upon,rely upon] Accomplishing tasks, but not dwelling on them. [results,achievements] Now : only because there is no dwelling, ♦Thus2 [the results] do not depart. Notes A : compare to #40, where non-being creates being B : FY, MWD, and GUO all have different words here (for example : “shape”, “form”, “mold”, etc.) C : compare to #39, where low is the foundation of high D : this line is missing in the earliest three sources; there is no indication in the original Chinese as to whether it is the sage or the creatures that are the ones acting in this and the following lines, so it is left ambiguous here as well Cross-references beauty and ugly : #20 non-being : #40, #43 tone and voice/sound (same symbol) : #41 non-action : #3, #37, #38, #43, #48, #57, #63, #64 sage practices non-action : #43 teaching : #27, #42, #43 no-talking in his teachings : #43 creates but does not possess : #10, #51 acting but not concerned : #10, #51, #77 accomplishing tasks : #9, #17, #34, #77 and not dwelling on them : #9, #77 Chapter Three 不 尚 賢 使 民 不 爭 不 貴 難 得 之 貨 使 民 不 為 盜 不 見 可 欲 使 民 心 不 亂 • 是 以 聖 人 之 治 • 虛 其 心 實 其 腹 弱 其 志 強 其 骨 常 使 民 無 知 無 欲 • 使 夫 智 者 不 敢 為 __ • 為 無 為 則 無 不 治 [矣(•)] • Not honoring those who are esteemable Ensures that the citizens do not strive. Not valuing rare goods Ensures that the citizens do not act like thieves. Not showing that which can be desired Ensures that the citizens’ heart/minds do not become confused. Thus the governing of the sage Empties their heart/minds, fills their stomachs, Weakens their ambitions, strengthens their bones. By always ensuring that the citizens are without-knowledge and without-desire, Those who make men wise will not dare to act. Act with non-action, then all will be governed! Not honoring [those who are] esteemable [virtuous,talented] Ensures that the citizens do not strive. [cause,make] ♦Not valuing rare2 [à] goods Ensures that the citizens do not act like thieves. [cause,make]