This chapter uses the metaphor of ”drawing a bow” to reveal the dynamic equilibrium of natural law, critique humanity’s exploitative logic of ”reducing deficiency to replenish excess,” and propose the sage’s wisdom and principle.
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…