Chapter 19
第十九章
If we could renounce our sageness and discard our wisdom, it would be better for the people a hundredfold.
绝圣弃智，民利百倍，
If we could renounce our benevolence and discard our righteousness, the people would again become filial and kindly.
绝仁弃义，民复孝慈，

If we could renounce our artful contrivances and discard our (scheming for) gain, there would be no thieves nor robbers.
绝巧弃利，盗贼无有。
Those three methods (of government) Thought olden ways in elegance did fail And made these names their want of worth to veil;
此三者以为文不足，故令有所属，
But simple views, and courses plain and true Would selfish ends and many lusts eschew.
见素抱朴，少私寡欲，绝学无忧。