Original Text
Do not exalt the worthy, so that the people will not compete for fame and position; do not prize rare treasures, so that the people will not steal; do not display what is desirable, so that the people's hearts will not be disturbed. Therefore, in the governance of the sage, he empties their hearts, fills their bellies, weakens their ambitions, and strengthens their bones. He constantly keeps the people without knowledge and without desire, and ensures that the clever ones dare not act. By acting without action, all things are governed.
Guide
During the great turmoil and transformation of the Spring and Autumn period, Laozi profoundly recognized the dangers of blindly esteeming the worthy. He advocated for "not esteeming the worthy" and "keeping the people without knowledge and without desires," envisioning a return to a state of non-action free from contradictions.
Analysis
This chapter presents Laozi's specific exposition and insights on the concept of governing through non-action.
Laozi clearly proposed that the governance of a sage lies in non-action. As long as there is no greed in the heart, there will be no discontent or contention, allowing one to achieve a state of simplicity and naturalness. By enriching social material conditions, the people will not struggle for food and clothing, living comfortably and at ease, reaching an ideal state. To perpetuate this good life, the people will consciously maintain this harmonious coexistence. Even if some self-proclaimed wise individuals try to change this way of life, the people will not agree, thus preventing even the clever from daring to act.
Laozi also said, do not let the people develop ambitions, but make their bodies strong; with strong bodies, there will be no suffering. Do not exalt the worthy, and ambitions will not arise, for ambition is the precursor to greed in the heart. If ambition exists within, people will stop at nothing to achieve it, which is a precondition for evil deeds. Do not value rare goods, and the people will not develop thieving hearts to obtain them. Laozi specifically noted that as the supreme ruler, one must first harbor no desires, and instead reach a state of no knowledge and no desire alongside the people, because the people emulate the sage; if the sage shows desire, the people will feel lost and fall into chaos. Finally, Laozi said, achieving this is governing by non-action, and there will be nothing that cannot be well governed.