If I were to have knowledge and clarity, I would walk on the great Dao. Jie means “great” or “vast.” Laozi was distressed that the contemporary kings did not follow the great Dao, so he made this statement. If I were to have clarity and knowledge in political affairs, then I would walk on the great Dao, personally practicing the transformation of non-action. Only the use of force is feared. Wei means “only” or “alone.” Only fear is felt when there is action taken, for one fears losing the meaning of the Dao. Wishing to reward goodness, one fears that false goodness will arise; wishing to trust loyalty, one fears that pretended loyalty will arise. The great Dao is very level, yet the people prefer to follow crooked paths. Yi means “level” or “easy.” Jing means crooked, not level or upright. The great Dao is very peaceful and easy, yet the people prefer to follow crooked paths. The court is very clean; high terraces and pavilions, palaces and halls are well maintained. The fields are very overgrown; farming is neglected, not cultivated or managed. The granaries are very empty; the five grains have been damaged, and the country has no reserves. Wearing colorful patterns; liking to decorate with falsehoods, valuing external splendor. Carrying sharp swords; valuing strength and rigidity, martial and luxurious. Disgusted with food and drink, yet having more than enough wealth; having many desires and appetites, never feeling satisfied. This is called the robber’s display. When the people are in want but the ruler has more than enough, it is like a bandit using stolen goods as clothing and decorations to show off. One does not realize that death and family ruin will follow, with relatives also perishing together. How un-Dao-like this is! If a ruler acts in such a way, it is not the Dao. The repetition of “zai” expresses sorrow and lamentation.