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they led them instead to a return to a natural simplicity。
The more sophisticated the people； the harder it is to control and rule them。
It follows also that a clever ruler can be a scourge to his nation。
Therefore it is a blessing to the nation and the people if the rulers and the people alike are simple；
unsophisticated； and full of the virtue of the Tao。
To know these two things is to have a rule and a model to guide oneself； and to guide the nation。
And to understand the rule and the model is to be practicing the mystical virtue。
This deep and profound mystical virtue is so far reaching；
it causes all things to return to the source of harmony。
66
The great rivers and streams all pour their tribute of the world onto the seas。
The seas gain this tribute and are called high and mighty because they lie low； humility gives the sea its power。
It is for this reason that the followers of Tao humble themselves before mankind。
They speak in tones of humility and lowborn status。
They do not attempt to lead； but learn to follow； and find themselves leading the people from behind。
In this way the wise sovereign will rule over the people； but they will not feel his weight。
He will lead the people； but they will not feel slighted or displeased。
The people will gladly uphold and support such a one as this。
The master does not strive； in this way no one can strive against him。
67
Many in the world acknowledge the greatness of Tao；
but since it is so vast and far…reaching its greatness is difficult to comprehend。
But as it has been examined and studied for so long； if it were not so great it would long ago have seemed smaller。
I have three great treasures that I cherish and hold fast to。
The first is compassion。
The second is simplicity；
And the third is not trying to be first in anything。
Having compassion I can demonstrate the noblest of courage。
With simple thinking and methods I am able to easily see the heart of things。
And daring to not be first in anything； I can develop my abilities to the situation and accomplish much。
But courage without compassion leads to death；
looking deep into matters without simplicity will bog one down；
and developing ones abilities without taking the time to allow them to adequately mature will result in immature actions。
But all who exhibit compassion in all matters will find their way guarded by the Tao。
Even the mighty warrior will find compassion to be his greatest ally。
Those whom heaven wishes to help are naturally provided with compassion； this is your greatest treasure。
68
The best warrior does not give free reign to violence。
The most skillful fighter will not let anger cloud his mind。
The skilful tactician wins without a battle。
A great commander overcomes men by placing himself below them。
This is known as the 'virtue of not striving'。
It is also called the ability to manage others。
This is regarded as the earthly embodiment of the way of Heaven。
69
The military veteran has a saying； 〃rather then rushing in； it is better to wait to see what they will do〃。
They also say： 〃Rather than advancing an inch at great cost； it is better to retreat a foot and spare life〃。
This is advancing without wasting energy； effort and life。
It is like pushing back without using force。
Its semblance is that of engaging the enemy without actually invading them。
Surely there is no greater calamity in war than that of thinking too little of your enemy。
Underestimating him can lead to disaster and the loss of the three treasures of compassion；
economy and the desire not to be first。
When opposing armies clash in the field； the victory will go to the one with compassion for the people；
both his and the enemy's。
He who has the greatest economy in the use of all things will be able to better maintain the expenses of marches and provisions。
The desire not to be first will result in calculating actions； and the deferral of reckless abandon。
70
My words are very easy to understand。
My teachings are very simple to put into everyday practice。
Yet no one who is tied to the world can understand them。
And if you are chained to the world； you cannot apply them in your life。
My doctrine comes from the source of Nature； my actions have a purpose in accord with the Law。
If you cannot understand this； you cannot understand me。
Because I cannot be understood I am a greater treasure than you know。
This is why the sage wears simple unpretentious clothes；
but his treasures are kept close to him； in his heart。
71
To know that you do not know is the wisest and healthiest thing。
To think you know when you do not can be likened to an illness。
First you must rid yourself of the thought that you know； and then you are on the way to healing。
The sage does not have this sickness； he realizes that he does not know； therefore his sickness has vanished。
72
When the people have no more fear of oppression； that is when oppressive forces will overtake them。
Do not restrict the people in their dwellings。
Do not oppress the people with heavy taxes and burdens。
If you do not wear the people out； they will not weary of you。
Therefore it is that sages know themselves well； but this self…knowledge is not displayed for all to see。
The sage respects himself； but does not try to become admired。
He will choose self…knowledge and love； and set conceit and opinion aside。
73
The brave who value daring and killing will kill。
The brave who value life and virtue will let live。
Of these two kinds of bravery； Heaven sees one as good； and the other as bad； but why？
Even the sage has difficulty with such a question。
Who can understand the ways of Heaven？
The Way of heaven does not strive and yet it skillfully achieves victory。
It says nothing yet responds fully。
It does not summon； but all things come to it of their own accord。
It does not make a plan； but accomplishes all things perfectly。
The net of Heaven is wide and covers all。 The mesh is widely woven； yet nothing slips through。
74
When the people are no longer afraid of death； why threaten them with the executioner？
If the people feared death； and execution was imposed as a penalty； who would dare transgress The Law？
Heaven is the Master Executioner。
Whoever tries to take Heavens place is like an amateur trying to use the master carpenters' tools to hew wood；
if he tries to use the tools he will likely hew himself。
75
When the nation is in want of food； it can be seen that the government officials are eating too much of the grain in excessive taxes。
And why are the people restive and hard to govern？
They are in a state of near rebellion due to the intrusive machinations of the government。
The people learn to make light of death when they strive to obtain goods and extravagant items。