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Chapter
58
其政闷闷,其民淳淳。其政察察,其民缺缺。
祸兮福之所倚,福兮祸之所伏。孰知其极?其无正也。正复为奇,善复为妖。人之迷,其日固久。
是以圣人方而不割,廉而不刿,直而不肆,光而不耀。
When the administration is tolerant, the people become simple and sober. When the administration is harsh, the people become cunning.
Happiness is by the side of misery; misery is hidden within happiness. Who can predict the outcome? There is no rule.
Righteous men become deceivers, and virtuous men demons. Our bewilderment has been going on for a long time!
So a wise soul is righteous and does not hurt the people. He is selfless but does not harm others. He is frank but does not offend anyone. He is bright but does not dazzle anyone.
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