quote

[Guest guest]

"If powerful men and women could remain

centered in the Tao,

all things would be in harmony.

The world would become a paradise.

All people would be at peace

and the law would be written in their hearts.

Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men

doesn't try to force issues

or defeat enemies by force of arms.

For every force there is a counter force.

Violence, even well intentioned,

always rebounds upon itself.

What is a good man but a bad man's teacher?

What is a bad man but a good man's job.

When rich speculators prosper,

while farmers lose their land,

when government officials spend money

on weapons instead of cures;

when the upper class is extravagant and

  irresponsible.

while the poor have nowhere to turn-

all this is robbery and chaos.

It is not in keeping with the Tao.

Those who try to control,

who use force to protect their power,

go against the direction of the Tao.

They take from those who don't have enough

and give to those who have far too much.

The more prohibitions you have,

the less virtuous people will be.

The more weapons you have,

the less secure people will be.

The more subsidies you have,

the less self-reliant people will be.

When power is in charge,

try to make people moral

and you lay the groundwork for vice.

Throw away holiness and wisdom,

and people will be a hundred times happier.

Throw away morality and justice,

and people will do the right thing.

Throw away industry and profit,

and there won't be any thieves.

If you overesteem great men,

people become powerless.

If you overvalue possessions,

people begin to steal.

Therefore the Master says:

I let go of the law,

and people become honest.

I let go of economics,

and people become prosperous.

I let go of religion,

and people become serene.

I let go of the common good,

and the good becomes as common as grass."