The people hunger
because those above them consume taxes in excess;
this is why they hunger.

The people are difficult to govern
because those above them interfere too much;
this is why they are difficult to govern.

The people take death lightly
because those above them cling to life too greedily;
this is why they take death lightly.

Thus, those who do not grasp at life
are wiser than those who treasure it.