Daodejing — The Classic About Ways and Instances
Translated by William P. Coleman
If holiness disappears and wisdom is thrown away,
then people benefit a hundred ways.
If benevolence disappears and righteousness is thrown away,
then people return to filial gentleness.
If cleverness disappears and profit is thrown away,
then there are no thieves stealing.
But acting on these sayings is not enough to make one civilized.
For this reason, let there be a place where they can live:
Present yourself plainly;
embrace your nature;
lack selfishness;
have few desires.
Go to Daodejing Table of Contents.
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