The abuse of power in the Tao

When people no longer fear oppressive power, great disaster is on its way. Do not press them so hard that they cannot live in peace.  Do not squeeze out the livelihood they depend on.  It is precisely because you do not crush them that they do not come to hate you. So the sage knows himself but does not show himself off.  He has proper regard for himself but does not set himself above others.  Therefore he lets go of showing off and self-importance, and holds to self-knowledge and self-respect.