When rulers take so
much so that they may feast
Their people go hungry
When rulers take action
to serve their own interests
Their people are likely
to become rebellious
When rulers take lives
So that their own lives
are maintained
Their people no longer
fear death
When people act without
regard for their own lives
They overcome those who
value only their own lives
Do not seek to fulfill
your own agenda
Do not try to force
people to do what
They do not want to do
Use wu-wei to overcome
Demanding your way only
leads to strife
Be at peace with all by
drifting along like leaf on flowing river
Seemingly aimless but
successful in getting to its destination
