Not exalting the gifted prevents quarrelling.
Not collecting treasure prevents stealing.
Not seeing desirable things prevents confusion of the heart.
The wise therefore rule by emptying hearts and stuffing bellies, by weakening ambitions and strengthening bones.
If people lack knowledge and desire, then intellectuals will not try to interfere.
If nothing is done, then all will be well.

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I find this verse very comforting whenever I need to be reminded not to struggle so hard with life. And I need to be reminded of this quite often.

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A human being is part of a whole, called by us the Universe,
a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself,
his thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest
a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. -- Albert Einstein

RESTING THE PEOPLE

Avoiding distinction of merit among the people prevents jealousy.

Not setting a value on rare things prevents theft.

Not seeking the things of sense keeps the mind in peace.

Thus the sage governs by ridding the heart of its desires, giving the stomach due satisfaction, by resting the muscles and strangthening the bones, by preserving the world from a knowledge of evil and hence from its desire, and by making those who have such knowledge afraid to use it.

He acts by non-action, and by this he giverns all.

It is by giving value to "things" that we miss the virtuous in life and clamor for "made-up riches". We must first strive to correct ourselves before we attempt to correct others.

Travis

Simplicity brings us back to the way we naturally are. Brings us back into the natural flow of the universe that is Tao. This chapter greatly shows this concept.

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The only constant in this universe is change. Are you ready to change??