Why are the people so hungry?
Because their grain is devoured
by the rich in taxes.
That is why people are starving.
Why are people so rebellious?
Because the government deprives them
of their liberties and rights.
That's why people are rebellious.
Why do the people not fear death?
Because their lives
are made so miserable
that death seems no worse than life.
Thus, no one can enjoy the treasures of life -
neither the rich who squander their humanity,
nor the government which tyrannizes the people,
nor the people who have nothing to gain from life.
“The Tao Te Ching, A New Translation”
By: Ralph Alan Dale
ISBN: 0-7607-4998-1