Yu (欲) means desire people have when they are attracted by external objects. Such desire, as the condition necessary for existence, should be suitably met. However, excessive desire is detrimental to one’s life and will lead to a decline in public moral and result in social chaos. So both Confucianism and Daoism are against excessive desire. In addition, in Daoist thinking, “having no excessive desire” refers to Dao’s attitude towards everything and how those in power should handle their relations with the common people. Daoism believes that those in power should suppress their desire and refrain from arousing people’s desire.

Confucius said, “I have never seen any person of rectitude.” Someone responded, “Shen Cheng is such a person.” Confucius said, “Shen Cheng has too many desires. How can he be of rectitude?” The Analects

Therefore the sage said: “People know how to cultivate themselves when I do nothing to interfere. They will behave themselves when I keep quiet. They will prosper when I am out of the way; and they will be sincere and honest when I hold my desire in check.” Laozi