Pursue knowledge by adding more each day. Pursue dao by subtracting some (bias and desires) each day. "Pursuing knowledge" refers to the accumulation of knowledge and wisdom, hence it uses addition to broaden and enrich. "Pursuing dao" refers to the understanding of universal principles; hence it uses subtraction to eliminate all bias and individualistic desires to get rid of unhealthy knowledge and undesirable wishes, which in turn achieves "non-action." Pursuing dao through subtraction is also a basic principle of governance advocated by Laozi. That is, established policies must be simple and easily implemented, and interfere as little as possible with the natural lives of people. This exemplifies the Daoist concept of "non-action."

In pursuing knowledge, add more each day. In pursuing Dao, subtract some (bias and desires) each day. Subtract and subtract, until you achieve "non-action." If you can achieve "non-action," you will be able to do anything. Those who govern the land must always do nothing that interferes with the people; if they interfere with the people through burdensome policies, they are not fit to govern the land. （Laozi）