80

"You want a small state with a minimal population. Have ready to hand weaponry for a sufficient number of military units Yet have no recourse to use them. Make sure that the common people take dying seriously So that they have no taste for venturing far from home. Though you have ships and chariots enough Have no reason to man them; Though you have armor and weapons enough Have no reason to parade them. Bring the common people back to keeping their records with knotted string, To relishing their food, To finding beauty in their garments, To enjoying their customs, And to finding security in their homes. Although your neighboring states are within eyesight And the sounds of their dogs and cocks are within earshot, Your people will grow old and die without having anything to do with them."