Renounce virtue; abandon knowledge
And people benefit a hundred-fold

Renounce benevolence; abandon morality
And people retreat to filial piety and affection

Renounce cleverness; abandon skill
And the brigandry shall cease

These three methods are but an insufficient ornament

Therefore, entrust existence to this order:
Perceive innocence; embrace simplicity
Quiet self interest; lessen desire

絕聖棄智
民利百倍

絕仁棄義
民復孝慈

絕巧棄利
盜賊無有

此三者以為文不足

故令有所屬
見素抱樸
少私寡欲