Wisdom and Knowledge

Before society formed, the Wises, flowing along the Way,
Brought mankind wisdom instead of knowledge;

The more knowledgeable, the less natural men are;
Science disturbs the unity of men, while wisdom guards it.
Laws used by rulers to control weakens the nation,
But using nature to control a nation strengthens the nation.

The Wise understands that wisdom and knowledge are in conflict
As social laws and nature are in conflict.
Understanding these is the Primal Virtue.
Primal Virtue is deep and far.
It leads all things back
Toward the great oneness.


The Tao Te Ching of Lao Tzu