With the greatest leader above them, people barely know one exists.
Next comes one whom they love and praise.
Next comes one whom they fear.
Next comes one whom they despise and defy.
When the leader trusts no one, no one trusts them.
The Great Leader speaks little, never speaks carelessly, works without self interest and leaves no trace. When all is fnished, the people say, We did it ourselves.
When the greatness of the Tao is present, action arises from one's own heart; when the greatness of the Tao is absent, action comes from the Rules of Kindness and Justice. If you need rules to be kind and just -- if you act virtuous -- this is a sure sign that Virtue is absent. Thus, we see the Great Hypocrisy.
When kinship falls into discord, piety and rites of devotion arise; when the country falls into chaos, official loyalists will appear, and Patriotism is born.
Give up sainthood; renounce Wisdom, and it will be a hundred times better for everyone.
Throw away Morality and Justice, and people will do the right thing; throw away Industry and Profit, and there will be no thieves.
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