[Note: I italicize phrases I borrow from the chapter, and link to phrases I borrow from other chapters to help tie chapters together. While making it more tedious to read, the Tao Te Ching is best pondered in the context of the whole.

What, above all, excels in the pursuit of the way? Nature, in my view. And, hoodwinking is how nature (biology) convinces us to live as though it matters. For example, nature obscure the fact that we are virtually dead the moment we are born - life is just that fleeting. Nor has nature endowed us with any instincts that lead to impartiality. To the contrary, survival and tribal instincts drive us to judge others and to contend. On the other hand, our brain evolved a mind nimble enough to contemplate the possibility of impartiality and the virtue of non-contention. Although, I suppose cooperative instincts probably lie at the heart of that also. We are an integral part of nature, whether we know it or like it. Complete conformity, for me, lies in returning responsibility for who 'I am' (and thus for who you are) to nature - that which is naturally so.

The following is a very literal translation of the Chinese:
Hence use intelligence to rule, ruins country,
Not use intelligence to rule, favors country,
Know this both side of things, inspect pattern,
Always inspect the pattern is called dark (obscure) virtue.
Dark (obscure) virtue (integrity), deep and far,
Participating with objects, flips (turns over),
Then after even to the point stop big following (flowing)

I'd sum it up this way: Intelligence does as much harm as benefit, perhaps more because we aren't wary of it - so watch out! Always considering both sides of things leads to infinite integrity. But, in participating in life you return, and stop, to follow your nature.

Other thoughts on hoodwinking

Hoodwinking is what adults do with regard to children's fantasies. Most would not enlighten children by telling them there is no Santa Claus. Kids 'see it' when they are naturally ready to see. Likewise with the Tao Te Ching. It is not using the way to enlighten the people. Like children dropping their belief in Santa Claus, we can only see what the Tao Te Ching is pointing to when we are naturally ready to see. It just frames the view into words well, especially considering that the way that can be spoken of is not the constant way.

How about me, and what I write here? Am I trying to enlighten people through my enlightened (or not) observations? No! I am just articulating what I 'see'. And what I say will only resonates with those who 'see' what I see, whether or not they can put it into words. Putting it into words is what I'm offering on this site. But, for all I know, I'm just hoodwinking myself - but that's okey as long as it works!

Hoodwinking is unavoidable. Nothing 'outside' conveys what is 'inside', except for how, to paraphrase chapter 2, the 'inside' and the 'outside' produce, complement, and follow each other. Enlightenment is only 'inside'. What we think we see 'outside', enlightened or otherwise, is nothing more than a reflection of ourselves. The 'hoodwink' lies in our ignorance of that simple reality. There is simply no way to 'inside', other than by means of this. That is why we say, exterminate the sage, discard the wise, and the people will benefit a hundredfold. 'It' is not out there, despite 'the grass is greener' instinct that promises us the moon.