What I really appreciate about the phrasing of your translation is that it seems to emphasize that people rise (or fall) according to the container within which they live, and the importance, therefore, of leaders crafting a social system which will set people up for peace and fulfillment.
I've been thinking a lot lately about power, violence, social systems, and human nature, so this is in keeping with my current understanding of why people do the things that they do. I especially enjoyed your explanation of Heart/Mind and breakdown of the phrase "empty their Hearts and fill their abdomen".
Thank you for your thoughtful and insightful commentary, and historical contextualization!
RE: Tuesday Musings on Tao Te Ching: Chapter 3 (with special guest @EmancipatedHuman)