Chapter 75
When Leaders Take Too Much
75.1. The people suffer from famine because of the multitude of taxes consumed by their superiors. It is through this that they suffer famine. 2. The people are difficult to govern because of the (excessive) agency of their superiors (in governing them). It is through this that they are difficult to govern. 3. The people make light of dying because of the greatness of their labours in seeking for the means of living. It is this which makes them think light of dying. Thus it is that to leave the subject of living altogether out of view is better…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map the Squeeze Points
Think of a situation where someone with authority over you has been taking more and more control. Draw or write out the progression: What did they control first? What did they add next? At what point did you or others start resisting? Map out how their increasing control created the problems they were trying to solve.
Consider:
- •Look for the moment when reasonable oversight became excessive control
- •Notice how people's behavior changed as the pressure increased
- •Consider what the person in authority might have been afraid of losing
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you had power over someone else and found yourself taking more control than necessary. What were you afraid would happen if you loosened your grip? How did your actions affect the other person?
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