Religion
Chapter 75
Translated by James Legge (1891) · From The Tao Teh King (1891)
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.
Codex Note
Prose translation of a largely rhymed original, with occasional rhymed renderings by Legge; words in parentheses are his supplied additions.
Cite this poem
MLA
Laozi (Lao Tzu). “Chapter 75.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/74/.
Chicago
Laozi (Lao Tzu). “Chapter 75.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/74/.
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