The state is small and its people few — although a sage rules a great state, he still considers it small, practicing frugality without extravagance. The people may be numerous, yet they seem few, for the ruler dares not to burden them. They possess tools of ten and hundredfold efficiency but do not use them — meaning that the people are organized into groups of ten and a hundred, with distinctions between high and low ranks without mutual infringement. The term "tools" refers to farming implements. But they are not used, so as not to conscript the people and rob them of their prime time for farming. They make the people value death and thus reluctant to move far away. If a ruler can provide benefits and remove harms for the people, ensuring each finds their proper place, then the people will value death and cherish life. If government decrees are not burdensome, the people will be at peace in their occupations, hence they do not move far or leave their usual dwellings. Though there may be boats and carriages, there is no need to ride them — calmness and non-action prevail, with no indulgence in complexity or luxury, nor a desire for travel or entertainment. Though there may be armor and weapons, they have no need to be displayed. No grudges or hatred are harbored toward the world. They cause the people to revert to tying knots for record-keeping — abandoning sophistication and returning to simplicity, with trust and no deceit. They find their food sweet, meaning they are content with simple vegetables, not exploiting the people for excessive taxation. They consider their clothing beautiful, finding beauty in plain garments and not valuing bright colors. They feel at ease in their dwellings, being content with thatched huts and not desiring ornate houses. They take joy in their customs, taking pleasure in the simple and honest customs, without seeking change. Neighboring states can see each other, and the sounds of chickens and dogs can be heard from one to another, because they are close in proximity. The people live out their lives without visiting or interacting with each other, because they lack desires and passions.