Line by Line - Verse 75, Lines 5-6

because of the (excessive) agency of their superiors (in governing them). It is through this that they are difficult to govern.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

Because the rulers interfere too much.
Therefore they are rebellious.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Is due to the meddling of their ruler
So they are difficult to govern
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

because the government
tries to run their lives.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

When ANY institution, group or individual tries to exert control, it is natural for those being controlled to fight against it. This is just as true for humans as it is for rivers or microbes. There is a natural flow to Tao and, whenever we try to impede this flow, one of the manifestation of the Grand Mystery will push back.

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