If I were suddenly to become known, and put into a position to conduct a government according to the Great Tao, what I should be most afraid of would be a boastful display.
The great Tao, or way, is very level and easy; but people love the by-ways.
Their courtyards and buildings shall be well kept, but their fields shall be ill-cultivated, and their granaries very empty.
They shall wear elegant and ornamented robes, carry a sharp sword at their girdle, pamper themselves in eating and drinking, and have a superabundance of property and wealth; such princes may be called robbers and boasters. This is contrary to the Tao surely!
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