Abandon sageliness, discard cleverness,
and the people will benefit a hundredfold.
Abandon benevolence, discard righteousness,
and the people will return to natural love.
Abandon skill, discard profit,
and thieves and robbers will disappear.

These three teachings are merely the surface;
alone, they are not sufficient.
Therefore, let there be something to hold to.
Reveal the simple, embrace the uncarved;
have little thought of self, and few desires.