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民之饥，
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People starve |
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以其上食税之多，
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when rulers take too much in taxes; |
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是以饥。
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thus, people starve. |
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民之难治，
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People rebel |
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以其上之有为，
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when rulers interfere too much; |
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是以难治。
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thus, people rebel. |
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民之轻死，
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People hold life cheaply |
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以其上求生之厚，
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when rulers demand too much from life; |
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是以轻死。
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thus, people hold life cheaply. |
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夫唯无以生为者，
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Only those who live selflessly |
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是贤于贵生。
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are wiser than those who value wealth. |