Chapter 19

Simplicity

If we could renounce our sageness and discard our wisdom, it

would be better for the people a hundredfold. If we could renounce

our benevolence and discard our righteousness, the people would again

become filial and kindly. If we could renounce our artful

contrivances and discard our (scheming for) gain, there would be no

thieves nor robbers.

Those three methods (of government)

Thought olden ways in elegance did fail

And made these names their want of worth to veil;

But simple views, and courses plain and true

Would selfish ends and many lusts eschew.

Commentary

Source: Paul Carus (1913) - Chapter heading

RETURNING TO SIMPLICITY.

Philosophical Insight

Source: Paul Carus (1913) - Canon of Reason and Virtue

1. Abandon your saintliness; put away your prudence; and the people will gain a hundredfold! 2. Abandon your benevolence; put away your justice; and the people will return to filial piety and paternal devotion. 3. Abandon smartness; give up greed; and thieves and robbers will no longer exist. 4. These are three things for which culture is insufficient. Therefore it is said: "Hold fast to that which will endure, Show thyself simple, preserve thee pure, And lessen self with desires fewer." Next: 2...