Do not exalt those considered virtuous in the secular sense — "virtuous" here refers to those esteemed by society: eloquent speakers and writers who deviate from the Dao, employ expedient means, and abandon substance for superficiality. "Not exalting" means not honoring them with rank or official position. This will cause the people to refrain from contention, not competing for fame and merit, and returning to nature. Do not value rare goods — a ruler does not indulge in treasuring precious objects; gold is abandoned in the mountains and pearls and jade are discarded into the depths. This will cause the people not to become thieves; when those above cultivate clarity and tranquility, there are no greedy people below. Do not show what is desirable — abandon Zhen music, keep away from beautiful women — and the mind will not become disturbed, free from lust and confusion. Therefore, the governance of a sage ruler is the same as cultivating oneself: empty the mind to eliminate desires and remove distractions; fill the belly by holding to the Dao and unity, safeguarding the Five Spirits; weaken the will through gentleness, humility, and yielding; strengthen the bones by cherishing vital essence so that marrow fills and bones grow firm. Always cause the people to be without knowledge and without desire, returning to simplicity and preserving sincerity. Thus, those who are knowledgeable will not dare to act without action — deep in thought, they do not speak lightly, do not fabricate or force, and move naturally with circumstances. Then nothing will remain ungoverned, and when virtue and transformation are profound, the people live in peace.