When conflict is reconciled, some hard feelings remain;

This is dangerous.

The sage accepts less than is due

And does not blame or punish;

For harmony seeks agreement

Where justice seeks payment.

The ancients said: "nature is impartial;

Therefore it serves those who serve all."

Let your community be small, with only a few people;

Keep tools in abundance, but do not depend upon them;

Appreciate your life and be content with your home;

Sail boats and ride horses, but don't go too far;

Keep weapons and armour, but do not employ them;

Let everyone read and write,

Eat well and make beautiful things.

Live peacefully and delight in your own society;

Dwell within cock-crow of your neighbours,

But maintain your independence from them.

Honest people use no rhetoric;

Rhetoric is not honesty.

Enlightened people are not cultured;

Culture is not enlightenment.

Content people are not rich;

Riches are not contentment.

So the sage does not serve himself;

The more he does for others, the more he is satisfied;

The more he gives, the more he receives.

Nature flourishes at the expense of no one;

So the sage benefits all men and contends with none.