Chapter 17

太上，下不知有之；
其次，親而譽之；
其次，畏之；
其次，侮之。
信不足焉，有不信焉。
悠兮其貴言。
功成事遂，百姓皆謂：「我自然」。

The highest ruler: those below do not know he is there;¹
the next: they love him and praise him;
the next: they fear him;
the next: they scorn him.
Where trust is wanting, there is distrust.
Unhurried, he holds his words precious.
The work is done, the task complete, and the people all say, “We are so of ourselves.”