The Way does not possess to cling to anything.
And certainly nothing can be mastered by it.
All things arise, yet never master them.
One learns from this: the Tao lives naturally,
Yet cannot act, In this way, it can live without action.
other readings further drafts from the same generation
deeper strata where the meaning thins
the original
1. 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.
2. Therefore the sage, in the exercise of his government, empties
their minds, fills their bellies, weakens their wills, and strengthens
their bones.
3. 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.