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1. A state may be ruled by (measures of) correction; weapons of war may be used with crafty
dexterity; (but) the kingdom is made one's (only) by freedom from action and purpose.
2. How do I know that it is so? By these facts:—In the kingdom the multiplication
of prohibitive enactments increases the poverty of the people; the more implements to add
to their profit that the people have, the greater disorder is there in the state and clan;
the more acts of crafty dexterity that men possess, the more do strange contrivances appear;
the more display there is of legislation, the more thieves and robbers there are.
3. Therefore a sage has said, 'I will do nothing (of purpose), and the people will be transformed
of themselves; I will be fond of keeping still, and the people will of themselves become
correct. I will take no trouble about it, and the people will of themselves become rich;
I will manifest no ambition, and the people will of themselves attain to the primitive simplicity.'
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