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Dao De Jing Chapter 3

BY: Bao Pu

Translation and Commentary by Bao Pu
Not putting “The Talented” on a pedestal,
Ensures the people will not compete (with each other).

Not valuing commodities that are difficult to obtain,

Ensures the people will not become thieves.

Not displaying that which arouses people’s desires,
Ensures the people’s hearts and minds will not be dis-eased/discontent.

Therefore sages govern by
Emptying minds,
Filling bellies,
Weakening ambition,
Strengthening bones.

Always ensuring the people have little knowledge,

Ensures that even the most wise will not presume to act (ambitiously, willfully).

(If) all act without (ambitious, willful) acting,
(Then) there will be no disorder.

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Altered to a more personal perspective:

If we don’t put people on pedestals,

We will have no reason to compete with each other.

If we don’t place importance on nonessential and rare goods,

We will have less reason to steal.

If we don’t flaunt our wealth or talents,

People will be more content with themselves.

Therefore we can “govern” ourselves by

Keeping our minds open and uncluttered,

Keeping our body nourished,

Lowering our pretentious standards,

Taking care of our body.

If we keep in mind our knowledge is relative,

We will refrain from acting on presumptions.

If we act without “acting,”

Nothing will be not “governed.”

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