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Tao Te Ching · 3 of 81

Chapter 3

Not to value and employ men of superior ability is the way to keep the people from rivalry among themselves; not to prize articles which are difficult to procure is the way to keep them from becoming thieves; not to show them what is likely to excite their desires is the way to keep their minds from disorder.

Therefore the sage, in the exercise of his government, empties their minds, fills their bellies, weakens their wills, and strengthens their bones.

He constantly (tries to) keep them without knowledge and without desire, and where there are those who have knowledge, to keep them from presuming to act (on it). When there is this abstinence from action, good order is universal.

Asked of Guide

Why does the sage keep people "without knowledge and without desire"?

Lao Tzu says the sage keeps people “without knowledge and without desire” to prevent social disorder: when people lack competitive pride, craving, and provocative sights, there is less rivalry, theft, and mental disturbance. The chapter describes governance that “empties their minds, fills their bellies, weakens their wills, and strengthens their bones,” aiming at basic contentment and physical well‑being rather than ambition.

This is a political strategy that treats restraint as a public good: by limiting exalted roles, rare luxuries, and enticing displays, the sage produces “abstinence from action” so “good order is universal.” Readers might compare Chuang Tzu, who treats emptiness as a protective openness, and Nietzsche only indirectly—Lao Tzu plainly values quiet stability over restless striving.

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Echoes elsewhere

Chuang Tzu · Taoism4. 1. The Tâo is (like) the emptiness of a vessel; and in our employment of it we must be on our guard against all fulness. How deep and unfathomable it is, as if it were the Honou Mysticism, Christian and Buddhist · Buddhismof "truth," "ultimate reality," "logos," etc. Lao-tzu defines it in his Tao Tê Ching as follows: The Way is like an empty vessel That yet may be drawn from Without ever needing to Tao, The Great Luminant · TaoismThis unity is the life of myriad generations, everlasting without beginning, and most mysterious. It embraces (enfolds) the Universe and opens the portal of the Tao59 (and is the T