← Back to quotes

Simplicity in habits

"With rectitude one governs the state ; with craftiness one leads the army; with non-diplomacy one takes the empire. How do I know that it is so? Through Reason. The more restrictions and prohibitions are in the empire, the poorer grow the people. The more weapons the people have, the more troubled is the state. The more there is cunning and skill, the more startling events will happen. The more mandates and laws are enacted, the more there will be thieves and robbers. Therefore the holy man says: I practise non-assertion, and the people of themselves reform. I love quietude, and the people of themselves become righteous. I use no diplomacy, and the people of themselves become rich. I have no desire, and the people of themselves remain simple."

Author

Lao Tzu

All Translations

English

"With rectitude one governs the state ; with craftiness one leads the army; with non-diplomacy one takes the empire. How do I know that it is so? Through Reason. The more restrictions and prohibitions are in the empire, the poorer grow the people. The more weapons the people have, the more troubled is the state. The more there is cunning and skill, the more startling events will happen. The more mandates and laws are enacted, the more there will be thieves and robbers. Therefore the holy man says: I practise non-assertion, and the people of themselves reform. I love quietude, and the people of themselves become righteous. I use no diplomacy, and the people of themselves become rich. I have no desire, and the people of themselves remain simple."

Loading…
Loading the web debug toolbar…
Attempt #