Chapter 75 The people are suffering

 

Chapter 75

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,以其求生之厚,是以輕死,夫唯無以生,為者是賢於貴生。

min zhi ji, yi qi shang shi shui zhi duo, shi yi ji
民之飢,以其上食稅之多,是以飢

The people are suffering from famine. It is because the rulers levy heavy taxes on them. Therefore, the people suffer from famine.

min zhi nan zhi, yi qi
shang zhi you wei, shi yi nan zhi
民之難治,以其上之有為,是以難治

The people are difficult to govern. It is because the rulers take the countries in their possession as their own property. Therefore, the people are difficult to govern.

min zhi qing si, yi qi qiu sheng zhi hou, shi yi qing si
民之輕死,以其求生之厚,是以輕死

The people overlook the risk of death. It is because they treasure living a moment longer. Therefore, the people overlook the risk to do anything in order to survive.

fu wei wu yi sheng,
wei zhe shi xian yu gui sheng
夫唯無以生,為者是賢於貴生

The people are hardly able to make a living. Therefore, whatever the people are risking is just to show that they treasure their lives.