The people attach no importance to death,
Because those above them are too grossly absorbed in the pursuit of life.
 Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching. copy citation

add
Author Lao Tzu
Source Tao Te Ching
Topic importance death
Date
Language English
Reference
Note Translated by Arthur Waley
Weblink https://terebess.hu/english/tao/waley.html

Context

“The people starve because those above them eat too much tax-grain. That is the only reason why they starve. The people are difficult to keep in order because those above them interfere. That is the only reason why they are so difficult to keep in order. The people attach no importance to death, Because those above them are too grossly absorbed in the pursuit of life. That is why they attach no importance to death. And indeed, in that their hearts are so little set on life They are superior to these who set store by life. up 76 When he is born, man is soft and weak;” source