Exalting our superiors invites competition.
Treasuring things that are difficult to obtain encourages theft.
Flaunting objects of desire gives rise to jealousy.
So the sage rules by:
Relaxing the people’s hearts,
Satisfying their needs,
Lessening their wants,
And strengthening their character.
Once he has shown people how to live without craftiness and envy,
Cunning interlopers cannot take advantage of nor trick them.
Living without objective allows us to live in harmony with nature.
You may order or download The Tao Te Ching here.
List of verses here