Verses 17-19 of the Tao Te Ching. This is my interpretation based on other versions.
Directions:
17.
Of the highest rulers, those below simply know they are there.
Of the next best, they love and praise them.
Of those another step down, they fear them.
Of those yet another step down, they ridicule and insult them.
When trust is lacking, he will lack trust.
Cautious! Thus is his use of words.
He completes his duties and finishes his tasks,
And the people say, "It happened naturally."
18.
When the Great Way is rejected, it is then that we find "humanity" and "righteousness".
When knowledge and wisdom appear, it is then that we find great hypocrisy.
When the six relations are not in harmony, it is then that we find "filial piety" and "compassion".
And when the country is in chaos and disarray, it is then that we find praise for "upright officials".
19.
Eliminate knowledge, get rid of argumentation, and the people benefit a hundred-fold.
Eliminate artistry, get rid of profiteering, and the people benefit a hundred-fold.
Eliminate planning, get rid of deliberation, and the people benefit a hundred-fold.
These three are your mission, yet they are not sufficient.
We should add an affirmative injunction:
Look to the simple, embrace the genuine, lessen self-interest and make few your desires.
Of the highest rulers, those below simply know they are there.
Of the next best, they love and praise them.
Of those another step down, they fear them.
Of those yet another step down, they ridicule and insult them.
When trust is lacking, he will lack trust.
Cautious! Thus is his use of words.
He completes his duties and finishes his tasks,
And the people say, "It happened naturally."
18.
When the Great Way is rejected, it is then that we find "humanity" and "righteousness".
When knowledge and wisdom appear, it is then that we find great hypocrisy.
When the six relations are not in harmony, it is then that we find "filial piety" and "compassion".
And when the country is in chaos and disarray, it is then that we find praise for "upright officials".
19.
Eliminate knowledge, get rid of argumentation, and the people benefit a hundred-fold.
Eliminate artistry, get rid of profiteering, and the people benefit a hundred-fold.
Eliminate planning, get rid of deliberation, and the people benefit a hundred-fold.
These three are your mission, yet they are not sufficient.
We should add an affirmative injunction:
Look to the simple, embrace the genuine, lessen self-interest and make few your desires.
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