The people are not frightened of death. What then is the use of trying to intimidate them with the death-penalty? There is the Lord of Slaughter always ready for this task, and to do it in his stead is like thrusting oneself into the master-carpenter's place and doing his chipping for him. Now he who tries to do the master-carpenter's chipping for him is lucky if he does not cut his hand.

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 74