Heaven and Earth are not benevolent
They regard all things as straw dogs; with indifference

The Sage is not benevolent
So regards the people as straw dogs; with indifference

Is the realm betwixt Heaven and Earth not like a bellows?
Empty, yet never spent
Shifting, to produce ever more

Wordy doctrine impoverishes
Better to abide by moderation

天地不仁，以萬物為芻狗

聖人不仁，以百姓為芻狗

天地之間，其猶橐籥乎
虛而不屈
動而愈出

多言數窮
不如守中