3
If those who are excellent find no preferment,
The people will cease to content for promotion.
If goods that are hard to obtain are not favored,
The people will cease to turn robbers or bandits.
If things much desired are kept under cover,
Disturbance will cease in the minds of the people.

The Wise Man's policy, accordingly,
Will be to empty people's hearts and minds,
To fill their bellies, weaken their ambition,
Give them sturdy frames and always so,
To keep the uninformed, without desire,
And knowing ones not venturing to act.

Be still while you work
And keep full control
Over all.