“ When taxes are too high, people go hungry. When the government is too intrusive, people lose their spirit. ”
Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching (4th century BC). copy citation
| Author | Lao Tzu |
|---|---|
| Source | Tao Te Ching |
| Topic | government taxes |
| Date | 4th century BC |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Stephen Mitchell |
| Weblink | https://terebess.hu/english/tao/mitchell.html |
Context
“there is nothing you can't achieve. Trying to control the future
is like trying to take the master carpenter's place.
When you handle the master carpenter's tools, chances are that you'll cut your hand.
75
When taxes are too high,
people go hungry.
When the government is too intrusive,
people lose their spirit. Act for the people's benefit.
Trust them; leave them alone.
76
Men are born soft and supple;
dead, they are stiff and hard.
Plats are born tender and pliant;
dead, they are brittle and dry.”
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