《道德经》英译（第七十五章）

民之饥，

以其上食税之多，

是以饥。

民之难治，

以其上之有为，

是以难治。

民之轻死，

以其上求生之厚，

是以轻死。

夫唯无以生为者，

是贤于贵生。

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Chapter 75

 

Human hunger is the result of overtaxation.

For this reason,

There is hunger.

The common people are not governable because of their superiors’ actions.

For this reason,

They are not governable.

The people make light of death because of too much emphasis on the quest for life.

For this reason,

They make light of death.

Now,

Only she who acts not for the sake of life

Is wiser than those who value life highly.

 

（Victor H. Mair 译）

 

Chapter 75

 

People are hungry.

When rulers tax grain,

People are hungry.

People are rebellious.

When rulers are active,

People are rebellious.

People ignore death.

When searching only for life’s bounty,

People ignore death.

Only those who do not strive after life

Truly respect life.

 

（Stephen Addiss & Stanley Lombardo 译）

 

Chapter 75

 

The people suffer from famine

Because the ruler levies too much tax-grain.

Thus they suffer from famine.

The people are difficult to rule

Because the ruler too often takes action.

Thus they are difficult to rule.

The people take life lightly

Because the ruler longs for life so avidly.

Thus they take life lightly.

 

（王柯平 译）