Fifty-Seven


Rule the country with sincerity.
Wage war with cunning.
Master the universe with indifference.

How do I know this is the way it is?

Because of this:
The more taboos, the poorer the people’s spirit.
The sharper men’s weapons, the more trouble in the land.
The greater the ingenuity, the more clutter in the world.
The more abundant the laws, the more abundant the thieves.

Therefore, the sage says:
I take no action, and the people naturally reform.
I remain at peace, and the people become content.
I do not meddle, and the people become prosperous.
I desire nothing, and the people return to original nature.