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Chapter 57
第五十七章
A state may be ruled by (measures of) correction; weapons of war may be used with crafty dexterity;
以正治國，以奇用兵，
(but) the kingdom is made one's own (only) by freedom from action and purpose.
以無事取天下。
How do I know that it is so?
吾何以知其然哉？
By these facts:--In the kingdom the multiplication of prohibitive enactments increases the poverty of the people;
以此：天下多忌諱，而民彌貧。
the more implements to add to their profit that the people have, the greater disorder is there in the state and clan;
人多利器，國家滋昏。
the more acts of crafty dexterity that men possess, the more do strange contrivances appear;
人多伎巧，奇物滋起。
the more display there is of legislation, the more thieves and robbers there are.
法令滋章，盜賊多有。
Therefore a sage has said, 'I will do nothing (of purpose), and the people will be transformed of themselves;
故圣人云：“我無為而民自化。
I will be fond of keeping still, and the people will of themselves become correct.
我好靜而民自正。
I will take no trouble about it, and the people will of themselves become rich;
我無事而民自富。
I will manifest no ambition, and the people will of themselves attain to the primitive simplicity.'
我無欲而民自樸。”
