To win the world means to take the subtlest influences

Of Heaven and Earth and assist with them the growth

Of the five cereals for the better nourishment of people.

It also means to direct the operation of opposite forces,

So as to secure the comfort of all human beings.

How should one proceed to accomplish these objectives?

According to governing the world, the vapours of clouds,

Before they were collected, would descend in rain;

The herbs and trees would shed their leaves

Before they became yellow; the light of the sun and moon

Would hasten to extinction at sunset and at dawn. . .

The mind is that of a flatterer with one’s plausible words—

It’s not fit that should be told as the way to win the world.