When taxes are too high, people go hungry. When the government is too meddlesome, people lose their spirit. When the rulers rule by action, people are hard to rule. Serve for the people's benefit; trust them; leave them alone. Why are the people hard to manage? Because those above them are fussy and have private ends to serve. Why do people make light of death? Because those above them make too much of life. The people have simply nothing to live upon! They know better than to value such a life. One who has nothing to pursue in life is wiser than one who values life. Give to others the gift of independence and help them to help themselves. Discourage their attachment of being dependent on you. Thus you can come and go freely, knowing all is well.