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Tao Te Ching - Lao Tzu - chapter 75
Why are the people starving?
Because the rulers use 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.
(translation by Gia-fu Feng and Jane English)
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