Verse 75: Who can enjoy the treasures of life?

Why are the people so hungry?
Because their grain is devoured by the rich in taxes.
That is why the people are starving.

Why are the people so rebellious?
Because the government deprives them of liberties and rights.
That is why the people are rebellious.

Why do the people not fear death?
Because their lives are made so miserable that death seems no worse than life.

Thus, no one can enjoy the treasures of life- neither the rich who squander their humanity, nor the government which tyrannizes the people, nor the people who have nothing to gain from life.

~Lao Tzu