民之难治，以其上之有为，是以难治。
The people are difficult to keep in order because those above them interfere. #2 That is the only reason why they are so difficult to keep in order.
民之轻死，以其求生之厚，是以轻死。
The people attach no importance to death, because those above them are too grossly absorbed in the pursuit of life.#2 That is why they attach no importance to death.
夫唯无以生为者，是贤于贵生。
And indeed, in that their hearts are so little set on life they are superior to these who set store by life.
万物草木之生也柔脆，其死也枯槁。
The ten thousand creatures and all plants and trees while they are alive are supple and soft, but when and dead they become brittle and dry.
故坚强者死之徒，柔弱者生之徒。
Truly, what is stiff and hard is a “companion of death”; what is soft and weak is a “companion of life”.
是以兵强则不胜，木强则折。
Therefore “the weapon that is too hard will be broken, the tree that has the hardest wood will be cut down”.
强大处下，柔弱处上。
Truly, the hard and mighty are cast down; the soft and weak set on high.