ChineseStudy

65. Ancient Governance

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English translation

Those in ancient times who were skilled in following the Way did not make the people clever and calculating, but kept them simple and uncontrived.

“Simple” here does not belittle people's ability; it contrasts with showy cleverness and competitive scheming. Less manipulation in government allows ordinary life to remain more straightforward.

The people are difficult to govern when there is too much clever calculation among them.

When a system rewards maneuvering, people and rulers answer one another with schemes, making order harder to sustain. The warning concerns cunning, not knowledge itself.

Thus governing a state through clever schemes brings harm to the state; governing without clever schemes brings it good fortune.

Rule based on manipulation breeds suspicion and invites more countermoves. Plain rules and honest administration are more likely to support lasting trust.

To understand these two approaches is also to know a guiding standard.

The two approaches are rule by clever schemes and rule without them. Recognizing their different consequences provides a steady measure for government.

Constantly understanding and keeping to this standard is called profound integrity.

This integrity lies not in displays of intelligence or political technique, but in consistently holding to plain principles. Its influence runs deep without show or coercion.

This profound virtue is deep and far-reaching. It seems to run contrary to the usual course of things, and only then does it arrive at great harmony.

Profound virtue does not chase immediate cleverness or gain. What looks contrary in the short term can restore a more natural and lasting order.

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