If this is the passage that accompanies this question:
"In this manner, the sage governs people: Emptying their minds, Filling their bellies, Weakening their ambitions, And strengthening their bongs. If people lack knowledge and desire Then they cannot act; If no action is taken Harmony remains"
Then, the quality desired in the above passage is weakness. The sage wanted to govern weak people, whom they can order around at will with fear of repercussions.
