Chapter 3

If you don’t exalt the talented, people won’t compete with each other; if you don’t prize hard-to-get goods, people won’t steal; if you don’t display things that stir desire, people’s minds won’t be disturbed.

So the sage, in governing, empties their minds, fills their bellies, weakens their ambitions, and strengthens their bones.

He keeps the people free of knowledge and desire, and keeps those who do know from daring to act on it. When there is no forced action, order prevails everywhere.