第八十章

小国寡民，使有什伯之器而不用，使民重死而不远徙。虽有舟舆，无所乘之；虽有甲兵，无所陈之；使人复结绳而用之。甘其食，美其服，安其居，乐其俗。邻国相望，鸡犬之声相闻，民至老死不相往来。

Let the state be small and the people few. Though there are weapons for tens and hundreds, let no one use them. Let the people take death seriously and not travel far. Though there are boats and carriages, let no one ride them. Though there are armor and weapons, let no one display them. Let the people return to tying knots and using them. Let them enjoy their food, find beauty in their clothes, feel content in their homes, and delight in their customs. Neighboring states can see each other, hear each other's roosters and dogs, yet the people will grow old and die without ever visiting each other.

白话译文

国家小、人民少。即使有各种器具也不使用，让百姓重视死亡而不远迁。虽然有船和车，却没有乘坐的必要；虽然有铠甲和武器，却没有陈列的机会。让人们回到结绳记事的时代。百姓吃得香甜，穿得漂亮，住得安适，对自己的风俗习惯感到满足。邻国之间可以互相看见，鸡犬的叫声可以互相听闻，但百姓直到老死也不互相来往。

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