其政悶悶，其民淳淳；其政察察，其民缺缺。
禍兮，福之所倚；福兮，禍之所伏。
孰知其極？其無正。
正復為奇，善復為妖。人之迷，其日固久。
是以聖人方而不割，廉而不劌，直而不肆，光而不耀。
禍兮，福之所倚；福兮，禍之所伏。
孰知其極？其無正。
正復為奇，善復為妖。人之迷，其日固久。
是以聖人方而不割，廉而不劌，直而不肆，光而不耀。
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Translation
When the government is dull and inconspicuous, the people are simple and honest.
When the government is sharp and alert, the people are restless and discontented.
Misfortune is what luck leans upon; luck is where misfortune hides.
Who knows where the turning point is? There is no fixed standard.
The orthodox becomes the extraordinary; the good becomes the uncanny (Yao).
Man's confusion has indeed lasted for a long time.
Therefore the Sage is square but does not cut;
Sharp but does not wound;
Straight but does not strain;
Bright but does not dazzle.