Chapter 3

How to manage the public

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:

1. Cultural Anchors:

Retained wuwei (无为) as a cultural keyword with contextual explanation

"Sage" capitalized to signify the archetypal wise ruler

2. Parenthetical Nuance:

Converted Chinese explanations (e.g., "不树立道德标杆") into culturally resonant parallels ("moral pedestals")

3. Structural Mirroring:

Replicated the original's parallel structure through semicolons and dashes

"Purifying/Filling/Softening/Strengthening" maintains the fourfold governance formula

4. Philosophical Terms:

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)

5. Contemporary Resonance:

Phrases like "exploiting legal loopholes" bridge ancient wisdom with modern governance challenges

"Natural rhythms" evokes ecological balance in wuwei interpretation

6. Rhythmic Flow:

Alternating short/long lines mimic the Dao De Jing's cadence

Strategic line breaks create contemplative pauses (e.g., before "Govern through wuwei")