Religion
Chapter 65
Translated by James Legge (1891) · From The Tao Teh King (1891)
The ancients who showed their skill in practising the Tao did so, not to enlighten the people, but rather to make them simple and ignorant.
The difficulty in governing the people arises from their having much knowledge. He who (tries to) govern a state by his wisdom is a scourge to it; while he who does not (try to) do so is a blessing.
He who knows these two things finds in them also his model and rule. Ability to know this model and rule constitutes what we call the mysterious excellence (of a governor). Deep and far-reaching is such mysterious excellence, showing indeed its possessor as opposite to others, but leading them to a great conformity to him.
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 65.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/64/.
Chicago
Laozi (Lao Tzu). “Chapter 65.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/64/.
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