verse 53

 

If I have even just a little sense

I should walk in the Great Way,

and my only fear would be straying.

 

The Great Way is very smooth and straight,

and yet the people prefer devious paths.

That is why the court is corrupt,

the fields lie in waste,

the granaries are empty.

 

Dressing magnificently,

wearing a sharp sword,

stuffing oneself with food and drink,

amassing wealth to the extent of not knowing

what to do with it,

is being like a robber.

 

I say this pomp at the expense of others

is like the boasting of thieves after a looting.

 This is not the Tao.

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