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! Eight The highest virtue is like water – Water’s virtue benefits the ten thousand creatures, yet it does not strive. It dwells in places that everyone detests, Therefore it is almost comparable to Dao! In dwelling, the virtue is in the land. In your heart/mind, the virtue is in being profound and deep. In relations, the virtue is in being kind. In speech, the virtue is in being truthful. In governing, the virtue is in being honest and just. In your duties, the virtue is in being competent. In action, the virtue is in the timing. Now : only because there is no striving, Therefore there is no blame. Twelve The five colors can make people’s eyes blind. The five tones can make people’s ears deaf. The five flavors can make people’s mouths dull. Excessive hunting and horse racing can make people’s heart/minds become wild. Rare goods can make people’s behavior corrupt. Thus the sage : Acts on what is inside, he does not act on what he sees. Therefore he leaves that and chooses this. Seventeen The existence of the best ruler is barely known to the people. Next is one who they love and praise. Next is one who they fear. Next is one who they ridicule. If the ruler does not trust enough, then he will not have anyone’s trust. Thoughtful!, he values his words. When tasks are accomplished and duties are successful, The 100 families all say “we are naturally so”. Eighteen When the great Dao is abandoned, There exists kindness and morality. When intelligence and wisdom arise, There exists a great deal of deception. When the six relationships are not in harmony, There exists devoted children and loving parents. When the nation and the families are very confused, There exists loyal officials. Nineteen Renounce sacredness, abandon wisdom, And the citizens benefit 100-fold. Renounce kindness, abandon morality, And the citizens return to being devoted children and loving parents. Renounce cleverness, abandon profit, And thieves and bandits will not exist. These three things thus make a civilized society, but are not enough. Therefore : to ensure the citizens have a place to belong– See the simplicity, Embrace the concept of the uncarved block, Less selfishness, Fewer desires. Twenty two What is wrong then becomes whole and perfect.