Line by Line - Verse 75, Lines 8-9

because of the greatness of their labors in seeking for the means of living. It is this which makes them think light of dying.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

Because the rulers demand too much of life.
Therefore the people take death lightly.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Is due to the glut in their ruler's pursuit of life
So they disregard death
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

because the government
takes everything they have.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

Why do we so abuse and debase ourselves? Because society tells us that we aren't young, beautiful, smart, swift, powerful or good enough! No matter who or what we are, we are told that we don't measure up to some mythic and nebulous standard. Since we can never measure up, we seek solace in those behaviors that insure we can never measure up.

This is the standard formula most people follow. It is why no matter how rich, famous or powerful we are that our lives still are beset with pain, suffering and misery.

We are chasing manufactured ghosts!

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