1 Not to value and employ men of superior ability for pride's sake is the way to keep the people from rivalry among themselves; not to prize articles which are difficult to procure is the way to keep them from becoming thieves; not to show them what is likely to excite their desires is the way to keep their minds from disorder.

2 Therefore the sage, in the exercise of his government, frees their hearts from vain longing, fills their bellies, softens their ambitions, and strengthens their bones.

3 He constantly tries to keep them without cunning and without greed, and where there are those who have cleverness, to keep them from presuming to act upon it. When there is this restraint, good order is universal.