The rich gobble taxes.
That's why people are starving.
People rebel.
The rich oppress them.
That's why the people rebel.
People hold life cheap.
The rich make it too costly.
That's why people hold it cheap.
But those who don't live for the sake of living
Are worth more than the wealth-seekers.
It's been over 2,500 years since Lao Tzu wrote that. Why haven't we learned anything in 2,500 years?
(LeGuin version of Tao Te Ching)