Religion
Chapter 3
Translated by James Legge (1891) · From The Tao Teh King (1891)
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.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Codex Note
Prose translation of a largely rhymed original, with occasional rhymed renderings by Legge; words in parentheses are his supplied additions.
Cite this poem
MLA
Laozi (Lao Tzu). “Chapter 3.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/2/.
Chicago
Laozi (Lao Tzu). “Chapter 3.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/2/.
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