Section 75
Chapter 75 explained simply
Tao Te Ching by Laozi
Original excerpt
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1. The people suffer from famine because of the multitude of taxes consumed by their superiors. It is through this that they suffer famine. 2. 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…
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Public-domain original
75. 1. The people suffer from famine because of the multitude of taxes
consumed by their superiors. It is through this that they suffer
famine.
2. 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.
3. 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.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
Simple English explanation
People suffer when rulers take too much. Reduce burdens before blaming people for struggling. Greedy leadership creates instability.
1-minute summary
Chapter 75 explains that people suffer when rulers take too much. In practice, reduce burdens before blaming people for struggling. It also warns that greedy leadership creates instability. The useful lesson is to make the wise move early, while the situation is still small enough to guide.
Key takeaways
- People suffer when rulers take too much.
- Reduce burdens before blaming people for struggling.
- Greedy leadership creates instability.
- Use the idea in one concrete decision today.
Modern example
A city reviews fees and fines that hurt the poorest residents most.
For kids
Choose the simple, kind, and steady way when things feel confusing.