Page:The Speculations on Metaphysics of Lau-Tsze (Chalmers, 1868).pdf/30

Rh on teaching without words; and everything works without hindrance. He produces with out holding possession. He acts without presuming on the result. He completes his work and assumes no position for himself. And, since he assumes no position, he never loses any.

Not exalting worth keeps the people from rivalry. Not prizing things hard to procure keeps the people from theft. Not looking on objects of lust keeps the heart from disorder.

The government of the sage consists, accordingly, in emptying the heart (of desires) and filling the stomach; in weakening the will and strengthening the bones; in continually keeping the people from the know ledge and the desire (of evil); and in making those that have the knowledge not dare to act. He acts inaction, and so nothing is ungoverned.