151

Lao Tzu reminds us of two important principles here.  People should not be afraid of death, because death is no death at all. The fear of death immobilises people and robs them of their potential.  The other principle is that criminal or destitute people may at times be beyond the fear of death.  Thus, to suppress a revolt of hungry people by violence will be of no good use - and likewise to threaten criminals with death also serves no good purpose.

An interesting question is regarding the personality Director of Death.  Ancient commentaries on the Tao the Ching speak both of an official executioner and the Principle of Death inherent in the universes.