使有什伯之器而不用，使民重死而不远徙。
he could bring it about that through there should be among the people contrivances requiring ten times, a hundred times less labour, they would not use them. #2 He could bring it about that the people would be ready to lay down their lives and lay them down again in defence of their homes, rather than emigrate.
虽有舟舆，无所乘之，虽有甲兵，无所陈之。
There might still be boats and carriage, But no one would go in them; there might still be weapons of war, but no one would drill with them.
使人复结绳而用之，甘其食，美其服，安其居，乐其俗。
He could bring it about that the people should have no use for any form of writing save knotted ropes, should be contented with their food, pleased with their clothing, satisfied with their homes, should take pleasure in their rustic tasks.
邻国相望，鸡犬之声相闻，民至老死，不相往来。
The next place might be so near at hand that one could one could hear the cocks crowing in it, the dogs barking; but the people would grow old and die without ever having been there.
善者不辩，辩者不善。
The good man does not prove by argument; and he who proves by argument is not good.
知者不博，博者不知。
True wisdom is different from much learning; much learning means little wisdom.
圣人不积，既以为人己愈有，既以与人己愈多。
The Sage has no need to hoard; when his own last scrap has been used up on behalf of others, Lo, he has more than before! #2 When his own last scrap has been used up in giving to other, Lo, his stock is even greater than before!
天之道，利而不害；圣人之道，为而不争。
For heaven's way is to sharpen without cutting, and the Sage's way is to act without striving.