Get out the microscope, because we’re going through this poem line-by-line.
- The ancient sage kings used the Tao to help people.
- Instead of ruling through clever tricks, they ruled with straightforward honesty.
- This encouraged the people to live with simplicity.
- If you govern with craftiness, then the people will become crafty.
- Governing craftily is the same thing as robbing the country.
- Living simply with the Tao is called the Mystic Virtue.
- The Mystic Virtue is infinite and goes beyond material things.
- It is the thing that connects all things.