Chapter 75
第七十五章
The people suffer from famine because of the multitude of taxes consumed by their superiors.
民之饥，以其上食税之多，
It is through this that they suffer famine.
是以饥。
The people are difficult to govern because of the (excessive) agency of their superiors (in governing them).
民之难治，以其上之有为，
It is through this that they are difficult to govern.
是以难治。

The people make light of dying because of the greatness of their labours in seeking for the means of living.
民之轻死，以其上求生之厚，
It is this which makes them think light of dying.
是以轻死。
Thus it is that to leave the subject of living altogether out of view is better than to set a high value on it.
夫唯无以生为者，是贤于贵生。