48. Less and Less
Text
English translation
Original Chinese text
为学日益，为道日损。
English translation
In pursuing learning, one adds day by day; in following the Way, one reduces day by day.
Learning builds knowledge and skill, while following the Way removes excess desire, fixed assumptions, and needless interference. They proceed by different methods.
Original Chinese text
损之又损，以至于无为。
English translation
Reduce and reduce again, until one reaches non-forcing action.
By repeatedly letting go of needless control and contrivance, action ceases to be driven by self-assertion. This does not mean doing nothing; it means not acting through coercion.
Original Chinese text
无为而无不为。
English translation
By acting without forcing, nothing that needs doing is left undone.
When needless interference is removed, things can use their own momentum and necessary action becomes more precise. Non-forcing is not passivity but respect for a sound process.
Original Chinese text
取天下常以无事，及其有事，不足以取天下。
English translation
To win and govern the world, one must ordinarily avoid stirring up affairs; once one becomes busy creating interventions, one is no longer fit to govern it.
Governing depends on gaining and sustaining public order. Constant directives and disruptions drain people's strength, while restraint allows society to function.