Lao Tzu Tao Sayings - Verse 74

When the people do not fear death,
of what use is it to threaten them with death?

If the people were always afraid of death
and if those who did wrong
would always be arrested and put to death,
who would do wrong?

There is always a Lord of Execution whose duty it is to kill.
If you try to fill that function it is like trying to hew wood
in place of a master carpenter.
You will probably injure your own hands.

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