Chapter 19

Simplicity

If we could renounce our sageness and discard our wisdom, it would be better for the people a hundredfold. If we could renounce our benevolence and discard our righteousness, the people would again become filial and kindly. If we could renounce our artful contrivances and discard our (scheming for) gain, there would be no thieves nor robbers. Those three methods (of government) Thought olden ways in elegance did fail And made these names their want of worth to veil; But simple views, and courses plain and true Would selfish ends and many lusts eschew.

Commentary

RETURNING TO SIMPLICITY. 1. Abandon your saintliness; put away your prudence; and the people will gain a hundredfold! 2. Abandon your benevolence; put away your justice; and the people will return to filial piety and paternal devotion. 3. Abandon smartness; give up greed; and thieves and robbers will no longer exist. 4. These are three things for which culture is insufficient. Therefore it is said: "Hold fast to that which will endure, Show thyself simple, preserve thee pure, And lessen self with desires fewer." Next: 2...

Sources: Paul Carus (1913) - Chapter heading; Paul Carus (1913) - Canon of Reason and Virtue