[Note: I italicize phrases I borrow from the chapter, and link to phrases I borrow from other chapters to help tie chapters together. While making it more tedious to read, the Tao Te Ching is best pondered in the context of the whole.]

As I recall, this chapter is usually translated in the context of the 'people' versus 'authority', as we see here. I suppose this way of looking at it is fine when we are looking for a scapegoat. However, the Chinese characters make no mention of those in authority (see literal translation below). For my part, I see those in authority are actually just us,... depending on circumstance. So, pondering this chapter personally, as it points to my life feels most relevant.

Although, my experience with people have certainly demonstrated that 'It is because those in authority are too fond of action, that the people are difficult to govern'. This was especially evident in parenting - perhaps the most intense and intimate governing situation we can experience. The most effective 'tool' I used in parenting was waiting patiently. Kids understand action; non-action is for them the deepest mystery. The non-action of waiting patiently is the most effective governing / child rearing technique I used. Mind you I had my first son when I was 45, and had by that time matured enough to be able to do nothing at all. Simply put, our desire to control life makes it more difficult to deal with and maintain it. We lead instead of follow and chaos ensues.

Why is one who has no use for life wiser than the man who values life? We are instinctively biased to value life, i.e., the survival instinct. Bias, regardless of its focus, always blinds. Wisdom, if nothing else, requires the ability to see beyond our 'blindness' (emotional biases, attachments) and show no favoritism. Clearly, the man who values life is less able to do that; instinct is completely in charge of his perspective.

The only real difference in the literal Chinese is the absence of pointing fingers at 'those in authority'. Perhaps translators of the Tao Te Ching tend have a problem with authority? True, Taoism doesn't cheer authority on, but it does not contend with it either.

people of hungry because their eat taxes of much,
is because hungry.
people of difficult govern because their of have activity,
is because difficult govern.
people of lightly death because their seek life of generous,
is because unimportant death.
man only without use life do
is able at noble existence.