The Tao is based on the people

The people go hungry because those above them take too much in taxes. That is why they go hungry. The people are hard to govern because those above them meddle too much. That is why they are hard to govern. The people do not fear death because those above them live too richly and luxuriously. That is why the people take death lightly. Only those who do not make a big project of enriching and pampering themselves are wiser than those who value their own lives too much.