Always be like a prisoner in your master's dwelling
And never strive for gain or renown.
Do not waste your time in the world.
Everyone seeks that which can't be found.
Is it then right to strive for fame?
other readings further drafts from the same generation
deeper strata where the meaning thins
the original
1. When the Tao prevails in the world, they send back their swift
horses to (draw) the dung-carts. When the Tao is disregarded in the
world, the war-horses breed in the border lands.
2. There is no guilt greater than to sanction ambition; no calamity
greater than to be discontented with one's lot; no fault greater than
the wish to be getting. Therefore the sufficiency of contentment is
an enduring and unchanging sufficiency.