不知治者，必曰："无变古，毋易常。"变与不变，圣人不听，正治而已。Those who don't know how to govern will surely say, "Don't change the old ways, don't alter the established norms." Whether to change or not, a sage doesn't just listen to one - sided opinions, but focuses on proper governance.
则古之无变，常之毋易，在常古之可与不可。Whether not to change the old ways and not to alter the established norms depends on whether the old ways and norms are applicable.
伊尹毋变殷，太公毋变周，则汤、武不王矣。If Yi Yin hadn't changed the situation in the Shang Dynasty and Tai Gong hadn't changed the situation in the Zhou Dynasty, then King Tang and King Wu wouldn't have become kings.
管仲毋易齐，郭偃毋更晋，则桓、文不霸矣。If Guan Zhong hadn't changed the situation in the State of Qi and Guo Yan hadn't changed the situation in the State of Jin, then Duke Huan and Duke Wen wouldn't have become hegemons.
凡人难变古者，惮易民之安也。Generally, people are reluctant to change the old ways because they are afraid of disturbing the people's comfort.
夫不变古者，袭乱之迹；适民心者，恣奸之行也。Not changing the old ways means following the tracks of chaos; catering to the people's will means indulging the actions of the wicked.
民愚而不知乱，上懦而不能更，是治之失也。The people are ignorant and don't know about chaos, and the ruler is weak and unable to make changes. This is a failure in governance.
人主者，明能知治，严必行之，故虽拂于民，必立其治。A ruler should be wise enough to know how to govern and strict enough to enforce it. Therefore, even if it goes against the will of the people, he must establish good governance.
说在商君之内外而铁殳，重盾而豫戒也。This is demonstrated by Shang Yang's use of iron maces both inside and outside, and his preparation with thick shields.
故郭偃之始治也，文公有官卒；管仲始治也，桓公有武车：戒民之备也。So when Guo Yan first started to govern, Duke Wen had official soldiers; when Guan Zhong first started to govern, Duke Huan had war chariots. This was to prepare and warn the people.
是以愚戆窳堕之民，苦小费而忘大利也。Thus, the stupid, stubborn, and lazy people are reluctant to bear small expenses and forget about great benefits.
故夤虎受阿谤而振小变而失长便，故邹贾非载旅。Therefore, Yin Hu was slandered in E and failed to see the long - term convenience due to being shaken by minor changes. That's why Zou Jia criticized the practice of transporting goods.
狎习于乱而容于治，故郑人不能归。People are accustomed to chaos and find it hard to adapt to order. That's why the people of Zheng couldn't return to good governance.
