Chapter 3
Do not exalt the "worthy" (avoid creating moral pedestals),
And the people will cease scheming for fame;
Do not prize rare goods (like jade and rare gems),
And the people will abandon theft;
Do not display desire-provoking spectacles (luxury and indulgence),
And the people's hearts remain undisturbed.
Thus, the Sage governs by:
Purifying minds (diminish cunning ambitions),
Filling bellies (secure basic sustenance),
Softening ambitions (discourage ruthless competition),
Strengthening bones (prioritize physical health);
Keeping the people simple in nature ("free from cunning"),
Free from greed ("free from desire"),
So even the self-proclaimed "wise" dare not act recklessly
(exploiting legal loopholes or manipulating public opinion).
Govern through wuwei (align with natural rhythms, not force),
And all-under-heaven finds its natural order.
Notes:
Retained wuwei (无为) as a cultural keyword with contextual explanation
"Sage" capitalized to signify the archetypal wise ruler
Converted Chinese explanations (e.g., "不树立道德标杆") into culturally resonant parallels ("moral pedestals")
Replicated the original's parallel structure through semicolons and dashes
"Purifying/Filling/Softening/Strengthening" maintains the fourfold governance formula
Rendered "无知" as "free from cunning" (original: childlike simplicity vs. modern "ignorance")
Translated "无欲" as "free from greed" (targeted desire, not all desires)
Phrases like "exploiting legal loopholes" bridge ancient wisdom with modern governance challenges
"Natural rhythms" evokes ecological balance in wuwei interpretation
Alternating short/long lines mimic the Dao De Jing's cadence
Strategic line breaks create contemplative pauses (e.g., before "Govern through wuwei")