Now : only because you do not despise them, Thus they will not tire of you. Thus the sage : Knows himself but not display himself, Loves himself but does not exalt himself. Therefore he leaves that and chooses this. If the citizens do not fear [your] authority, Then a greater authority will arrive !A ♦Do not disrespect their dwellings2, ♦Do not despise their livelihood2B. [detest] [that which they produce] ♦Now : only because [you] do not despise [them], [detest] ♦Thus2 [they] will not tire of{detest}C [you]. ♦Thus2 the sage2 : ♦Knows himself but not display himself, [show] ♦Loves himself but does not exalt himself. [high rank,respected] Therefore he leaves thatD and chooses thisE. Notes A : possibly meaning someone else will take over, either from within or without? B : these two symbols could also be translated as “place of birth” or even “parents” (they who gave them life) C : this seems to be something of a play on words, because the symbol for “despise” in the previous line is the same symbol for “tire of”, so this line could also be translated as Thus2 they will not despise you but “tire of” is used here because of #66, where the citizens do not tire of the sage’s rule D : presumably, displaying and exalting E : presumably, knowing and loving Cross-references fear/afraid : #15, #17, #20, #74 citizens do not fear : #74 not tire of leadership : #66 not displaying oneself (showing off) : #22, #24, #47, #77 leaves that and chooses this : #12, #38 Chapter Seventy Three • 勇 於 敢 則 殺 勇 於 不 敢 則 活 此 兩 者 或 利 或 害 天 之 所 惡 孰 知 其 故 是 以 聖 人 猶 難 之 天 之 道 不 爭 而 善 勝 • 不 言 而 善 應 • 不 召 而 自 來 繟 然 而 善 謀 天 網 恢 恢 疏 而 不 失 When your courage lies in daring, The consequence is killing. When your courage lies in not daring, The consequence is survival. These two choices, they sometimes cause benefit, sometimes cause harm. That which heaven detests – who knows its reasons? The Way of heaven : Does not strive, yet skillfully achieves its goals. Does not speak, yet skillfully responds. Does not summon, yet everything naturally comes to it. Is certainly unhurried, yet skillfully prepares. Heaven’s net is extremely vast; It is wide meshed, yet does not fail. ♦When your courage* lies in daring, ♦The consequence is killing. ♦When your courage* lies in not daring, ♦The consequence is survival. ♦These two [choices], they sometimes cause benefit,