
不 尚 贤 , 使 民 不 争。
The wise are not glorified, so that the people will not compete and contend.
不 贵 难 得 之 货 , 使 民 不 为 盗 。
Rare objects are not prized , so that the people will not have the desire to steal.
不 见 可 欲 , 使 民 心 不 乱 。
The sight of desirable things are shut out, so that the people’s mind and heart are not disturbed.
是 以 圣 人 之 治 ,
虚 其 心 ,实 其 腹 ,
弱 其 志 ,强 其 骨 。
Therefore, the management of the sage, is to purify and humble one’s heart, enrich one’s stomach, weaken one’s own will, and strengthen one’s physical frames.
常 使 民 无 知 无 欲 。
So that the people are often stripped off unnecessary thoughts and desires.
使 夫 知者 不 敢 为 也 。
The smart cunning ones will not presume to interfere.
为 无 为 , 则 无 不 治 矣。
If the principle of Wu Wei is conducted, then nothing will not be managed.