Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish, too much handling will spoil it.
The people starve because those above them eat too much tax-grain. That is the only reason why they starve.
Stay at the center and let all things take their course.
If princes and kings were not exalted they might be overthrown.
In dwelling, be close to the land. In meditation, go deep in the heart. In dealing with others, be gentle and kind. In speech, be true. In ruling, be just. In daily life, be competent. In action, be aware of the time and the season.
Some have lavish garments, carry sharp swords, and feast on food and drink. They possess more than they can spend. This is called the vanity of robbers. It is certainly not the Way.