Chapter III Honor on man so that none wo

Chapter III Honor on man so that none would contend for honor. Value no rare goods so that none would steal or rob. Display nothing desirable lest people be tempted and disturbed. Therefore the sage rules by purifying people's soul, filling their bellies, weakening their wills and stengthening their bones. He always keeps them knowledgeless and desireless so that the clever dare not interfere. Where there is no interference, there is order.

三章不尚贤【1】，使民不争；不贵难得之货【2】，使民不为盗；不见可欲【3】，使民心不乱。是以圣人之治也【4】，虚其心，实其腹，弱其志，强其骨【5】。恒使民无知无欲也【6】，使夫知者不敢弗为而已【7】，则无不治矣【8】。