1Not to value and employ men of superior ability 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.

2Therefore the sage, in the exercise of his government, empties     their minds, fills their bellies, weakens their wills, and strengthens     their bones.

3He constantly (tries to) keep them without knowledge and without     desire, and where there are those who have knowledge, to keep them     from presuming to act (on it). When there is this abstinence from     action, good order is universal.