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Tao is like an archer’s bow:
As it performs, the high is pulled down,
And the low is raised up.
The way of Tao is to maintain equilibrium:
It saps from surplus,
And replenishes the scarce.

The way of mankind is very different from this:
It takes away from those who have too little,
And gives yet more to those who already have too much.

In understanding and respecting the way of Tao,
The sage is able to help set things right.
He invests but does not expect any return,
Completes but does not take any credit.
In this way he can act as an instrument without ends.