太上，不知有之；其次，亲而誉之。
1In the highest antiquity, (the people) did not know that there were (their rulers).
其次，畏之。
2In the next age they loved them and praised them.
其次，侮之。
3In the next they feared them; in the next they despised them.
信不足焉，有不信焉。
4Thus it was that when faith (in the Tao) was deficient (in the rulers) a want of faith in them ensued (in the people).
悠兮其贵言。
5How irresolute did those (earliest rulers) appear, showing (by their reticence) the importance which they set upon their words!
功成事遂，百姓皆谓：我自然。
6Their work was done and their undertakings were successful, while the people all said, 'We are as we are, of ourselves!'