Chapter 17
第十七章
In the highest antiquity, (the people) did not know that there were (their rulers).
太上，下知有之；
In the next age they loved them and praised them.
其次，亲而誉之；
In the next they feared them; in the next they despised them.
其次，畏之；其下，侮之。

Thus it was that when faith (in the Tao) was deficient (in the rulers) a want of faith in them ensued (in the people).
信不足焉，安有不信。
How irresolute did those (earliest rulers) appear, showing (by their reticence) the importance which they set upon their words!
悠兮其贵言。
Their work was done and their undertakings were successful, while the people all said, 'We are as we are, of ourselves!'
功成事遂，百姓皆谓我自然。