Chapter 75

The people suffer from famine because of the multitude of taxes consumed by their superiors. It is through this that they suffer famine. The people are difficult to govern because of the (excessive) agency of their superiors (in governing them). It is through this that they are difficult to govern. The people make light of dying because of the greatness of their labours in seeking for the means of living. It is this which makes them think light of dying. Thus it is that to leave the subject of living altogether out of view is better than to set a high value on it.

Commentary

Commentary

HARMED THROUGH GREED. 1. The people hunger because their superiors consume too many taxes; therefore the y hunger. The people are difficult to govern because their superiors are too meddlesome; therefore they are difficult to govern. The people make light of death on account of the intensity of their clinging to life; therefore they make light of death. 2. He who is not bent on life is worthier than he who esteems life. Next: 76. Beware of Strength | « Previous: The Canon of Reason and Virtue (Tao te Ching): The Old P...
Sources: Paul Carus (1913) - Chapter heading; Paul Carus (1913) - Canon of Reason and Virtue