The government that seems the most unwise, Oft goodness to the people best supplies; That which is meddling, touching everything, Will work but ill, and disappointment bring.
- When taxes are too high, people go hungry.
- When the government is too intrusive, people resist.
- When rulers take too much happiness, people gladly die.
Act for the people’s benefit. Trust them; leave them alone.
— Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching (The Way to Power) (500 BC)
The government that seems the most unwise,
If rulers take too much grain, People rapidly starve; If rulers take too much freedom, People easily rebel; If rulers take too much happiness, People gladly die.
Words of the Sentient 