Tao Te Ching – 3 – Value Restraint

3

Value Restraint

When a leader doesn’t talk about virtue,

then people rarely practice it.

And a leader who hoards riches

encourages people to steal.

Virtue is better than wealth,

and people will rest if they remember this.

The wise do not accumulate treasures,

but they try to help the people have a quiet heart.

They encourage others to to satiate their appetites

and strengthen their bodies.

They encourage innocence,

and protect the simpleminded from the clever.

When a leader restrains himself,

others will be at peace.