Extraordinary Things
Translation by Tree Buffalo
Use normal behavior to govern the country and abnormal strategies to utilize the army.
But conquer the world only by not interfering with it.
How do I know this is true?
When the world has too many restrictions and prohibitions, the populace becomes increasingly poor.
The populace gets too many sharp weapons and the country starts to descend into chaos.
As a result, people become very clever and crafty. They create more and more extraordinary things.
Then more and more law and order is needed when more and more thieves and robbers appear.
This is why a wise person says:
“I act inaction, and the people naturally transform.
I welcome peace and the people are naturally honest.
I don’t interfere, and the people are naturally wealthy.
I have no desire, and the people are naturally simple.”
Read some of the first English translations of Chapter 57 here.
