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In ancient times, those skilled in the Dao |
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did not seek to make the people bright, |
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but intended to make them simple. |
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The people are difficult to govern |
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because their cleverness is too great. |
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Therefore, governing a state with cleverness |
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is the thief of the state; |
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not governing the state with cleverness— |
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is the blessing of the state. |
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Knowing these two is also the pattern. |
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Always knowing this pattern, |
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this is called mysterious virtue. |
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Mysterious virtue is deep, |
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distant, |
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returning contrary to all things— |
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only then reaching great harmony. |