DAO DE JING

Chapter 72

Translation by K Ellis

When the people no longer fear authority,
a greater authority draws near.

Do not intrude upon their homes;
do not suppress their livelihood.
For only by not suppressing them
will they not be weary of you.

Thus the sage knows herself,
yet does not display herself;
cherishes herself,
yet does not exalt herself.
She lets go of that
and chooses this.

Translation © 2026 K Ellis. All rights reserved.