CHINESE ORIGINAL
使我介然有知，行于大道，唯施是畏。
大道甚夷，而民好径。
朝甚除，田甚芜，仓甚虚；服文彩，带利剑，厌饮食，财货有余；是为盗夸。
非道也哉！
ENGLISH · JAMES LEGGE, 1891
If I were suddenly to become known, and (put into a position to) conduct (a government) according to the Great Tao, what I should be most afraid of would be a boastful display.
The great Tao (or way) is very level and easy; but people love the by-ways.
Their court(-yards and buildings) shall be well kept, but their fields shall be ill-cultivated, and their granaries very empty. They shall wear elegant and ornamented robes, carry a sharp sword at their girdle, pamper themselves in eating and drinking, and have a superabundance of property and wealth;--such (princes) may be called robbers and boasters. This is contrary to the Tao surely!
READ IN CONTEXT
Leadership
What happens when a leader makes room for others? Read about restraint, trust, and governing with a light hand.
Leadership