75 民之飢

老子道德經第七十五章

民之飢
以其上食稅之多
是以飢
民之難治
以其上之有為
是以難治
民之輕死
以其上求生之厚
是以輕死

夫唯無以生為者
是賢於貴生

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SEVENTY-FIVE

Why are the people starving?
Because the rulers eats up the money in taxes.
Therefore the people are starving.

Why are the people rebellious?
Because the rulers interfere too much.
Therefore they are rebellious.

Why do the people think so little of death?
Because the rulers demand too much of life.
Therefore the people take death lightly.

Having little to live on, one knows better than to value life too much.

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75.

(Note: This is the last of the 81 chapters of Tao Te Ching I am reading and adapting. The Feng and English translation is rather dull. I want to write it in words of love, peace and life.)

Why am I often unsatisfied?
Because I tend to waste energy doing passionless things.
Why do I often find it difficult to concentrate?
Because I try to do many things at the same time.
Why do I often forget to treasure life?
Because I too eagerly divert my attention outwardly.

Only when I seek inwardly,
Shall I find the meaning of all--peace, and love.