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"Govern the state by the proper norm, Conduct warfare with surprise, Win the world without meddling. How do I know it is so? Because of this: The more inhibitions the world has, The more impoverished the common people become. The more weapons the ruler has, The more disorderly the state becomes. The more cunning the ruler uses, The more untoward things happen. The more laws and decrees are issued, The more bandits and thieves come forth. Therefore the sage says: I do nothing, And the common people change of themselves. I stay still, And the common people get things right for themselves. I do not meddle, the common people make themselves prosperous. I have no desires, And the common people keep themselves simple."