Lao Tzu

Lao Tzu

"In Ancient times those who practiced Tao well
Did not seek to enlighten the people, but to make them ignorant.
People are difficult to govern because they have too much knowledge.
Therefore he who rules the state through knowledge is a robber of the state;
He who rules a state not through knowledge is a blessing to the state" (Number 65).

I find this passage is particularly puzzling and counterintuitive. Any student of political science would argue that it is necessary for the individual to be educated so that he or she can function within the society. I should hope that the people would want their leader also to rule with knowledge. Does Lao Tzu actually believe that knowledge is detrimental for a government? Or is this a different use of the word knowledge? Does he actually mean cleverness or deceit? Or a knowledge that is subject to corruption?

Jim