65.
In the beginning those who knew the Tao
did not try to increase the peoples cleverness
but kept them in a state of simplicity
The more knowledge the people have,
the harder they are to rule
Rulers who try to rule by cleverness
cheat the country
Those who rule without cleverness
are a blessing to the land
These are the two alternatives
Understanding them is old wisdom
Old wisdom is profound and far-reaching
It leads all things back toward the great oneness
66.
The reason why rivers and seas
can be lords of the hundred valleys
so that everything flows down to them,
is that they lower themselves to them
Therefore they can be lords of the hundred valleys
So when sages wish to rise above people,
they humble themselves to them in their speech
When they want to lead the people
they follow behind
In this way, when the sage rules, the people will not feel oppressed
And when the sage is in the forefront, no one feels manipulated
Therefore the whole world will support him and will not tire of him
Because he does not compete
he does not meet competition
67.
Everyone under heaven says that my Tao is great,
but that it is inconceivable
Because it is great, it is inconceivable
If it could be conceived of, it would have vanished long ago
I have three treasures which I hold and keep
The first is love; the second is frugality;
the third is daring not to be ahead of others
From love comes courage; from frugality comes generosity;
from humility comes lasting leadership
Nowadays people shun love, but try to be brave;
they abandon frugality, but try to be generous;
they do not believe in humility, but always try to be first
This is certain death
If one has love in battle, one is victorious
If one has it in defence, one is invincible
Love is the means by which heaven saves and guards
68.
The best soldier is not violent
The best fighter is not angry
The best conqueror is not vengeful
The best employer is humble
This is the virtue of non-striving
This is making use of the efforts of others
This is the ultimate unity with heaven
