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（Thus； a society that avidly supports capital punishment hurts itself。 Aside from the observation that the death penalty doesn't seem effective； we should also consider the possibility that innocents may be executed by mistake … and certainly those who are killed can no longer make amends and repay their debt to society。）
Notes
The concept of the 〃master executioner〃 in this chapter is a continuation of the 〃heavenly net〃 concept from the previous chapter。 They are different ways to describe the same karmic mechanism that seems to pervade reality。
At first glance； this chapter appears to be directed at the ruler。 Whenever we see this in the Tao Te Ching； we know that the teaching operates on multiple levels。 Not only is it a social commentary； but it is also a recommendation on how we can conduct our lives。
The central idea is that the negative approach is rarely effective。 The use of the death penalty does not necessarily improve society。 If we execute everyone on death row today； we would feel no safer tomorrow。 The more we resort to killing as a response to our frustration and anger with violence； the more violent society becomes。
Similarly； the use of threats and punishment is far less effective than positive reinforcement in the Tao of interpersonal relationships。 Thus； sages do not criticize or accuse。 Instead； they guide and nurture through sincere praise and approval。
The lesson also applies to the ruling of one's inner kingdom。 While it is important for us to recognize our past mistakes； it is futile for us to dwell on them and beat ourselves up。 Blaming ourselves will not move us closer to our goals。 Proactive； positive actions will do a far better job of that。
75
The people's hunger
Is due to the excess of their ruler's taxation
So they starve
The people's difficulty in being governed
Is due to the meddling of their ruler
So they are difficult to govern
The people's disregard for death
Is due to the glut in their ruler's pursuit of life
So they disregard death
Therefore those who do not strive for living
Are better than those who value living
When people are hungry … when their basic survival needs are in question … it is because the ruler overzealously imposes ever increasing taxes； leaving very little for them to sustain themselves。 As a result； the people starve。
When people are difficult to control … when they are openly rebellious and refuse to obey orders … it is because the ruler constantly meddles in their livelihood with more and more restrictive rules。 In reaction； the people become defiant against authority。
When people disregard death … when they no longer care if they live or die … it is because the ruler pursues an extravagant lifestyle； indulging in ever more luxuries while the people suffer hardship。 Seeing this； the people brave death to rise against the ruler。
Therefore； we can see from the above that a ruler who does not obsessively focus on 〃the good life〃 would be much better than the ruler who values the mindless pursuit of luxurious living。
Under such a wise ruler； the people do not starve （their basic needs are met）； they are not difficult to govern （they gladly follow wise leadership）； and they have no reckless disregard for death （their own lives are worth living）。
Notes
The last two lines in this chapter are particularly difficult to translate； and they can be difficult to understand even when translated correctly。 It helps to keep in mind that every line in this chapter expresses one consistent concept。 Once you grasp the concept； everything should fall neatly into place。
Once again； we see that what appears to be advice for the emperor is in fact the Tao of better living for all of us。
The overall theme in this chapter is about how we deal with the material world。 It points out that the excessive pursuit and indulgence in materialistic things will end up costing us in various ways。
Oftentimes we overtax ourselves when we overindulge。 The bloated feeling after eating too much at the buffet； and the hangover after drinking too much at a wild party … are both examples。
When we overtax ourselves； we can neglect our basic spiritual needs。 Overextended and mentally exhausted； we tend to overlook the need to feed the soul with uplifting and inspirational sustenance。
When we stray from the simplicity of wu wei and meddle in everything around us； life becomes more and more difficult to manage。 Our excessive interference results in unintended side effects and makes things more complicated。
For instance； if we meddle in the affairs of friends； we often end up alienating them。 They do not appreciate our interference； so the relationship becomes strained and increasingly distant。
This chapter also tells us that when the mind is overly greedy in pursuing materialistic indulgences； the spirit suffers。 Life becomes an endless series of sensory stimulations； devoid of meaning and purpose。 It no longer seems worthwhile； thus causing one to question： Why bother？ Why go on living？ Why not just end it all？
To see vivid examples of this； we only have to turn our attention to celebrity suicides。 These are people who seem to have it all materially； and yet are impoverished spiritually。 They see little point in life； and no reason to live … in other words； they feel a complete disregard for death。
76
While alive； the body is soft and pliant
When dead； it is hard and rigid
All living things； grass and trees；
While alive； are soft and supple
When dead； become dry and brittle
Thus that which is hard and stiff
Is the follower of death
That which is soft and yielding
Is the follower of life
Therefore； an inflexible army will not win
A strong tree will be cut down
The big and forceful occupy a lowly position
While the soft and pliant occupy a higher place
Life is characterized by softness and pliancy； while death is characterized by stiffness and rigidity。 We can see this simply by looking around。 Living plants and animals all exhibit flexibility and suppleness。 When they are dead； their lifeless forms invariably lose all moisture； and therefore all flexibility and supplement as well。
We can generalize from this observation and link death to that which is hard and unyielding。 Life would be linked that which which is pliable and thus capable of growth and adaptation。 This applies not only to flora and fauna but also to all aspects of human existence。
For instance； an army that cannot adapt to the ever…changing conditions on the battle field will soon find itself outmaneuvered and defeated by an enemy that is more nimble and flexible。 A tree that grows hard and strong makes excellent timber； and so will quickly find itself chopped down and put to use。 Both are great examples where rigidity leads to death。
Therefore； that which is forceful and aggressive may seem to have the upper hand； but in fact occupies a lower position of disadvantage。 Conversely； being yielding and flexible may be perceived as a weakness； but is in fact a great strength that occupies a higher