CHINESE ORIGINAL
民之饥，以其上食税之多，是以饥。
民之难治，以其上之有为，是以难治。
民之轻死，以其上求生之厚，是以轻死。
夫唯无以生为者，是贤于贵生。
ENGLISH · JAMES LEGGE, 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.
READ IN CONTEXT
Leadership
What happens when a leader makes room for others? Read about restraint, trust, and governing with a light hand.
Leadership