20 million dead soviets might beg to differ.

It is the fate of them it seems, they promise things they cannot deliver. That doesn't mean they can be ignored because the path between them starting and self defeating is disastrous.

"Govern a large country in the same way you would cook a small fish; you must be delicate. Let the spirit of the Tao govern the land, and evil spirits will have no power. Not that the evil spirits will depart, but the effects they have on the people will be insignificant, and the effects of the Sage on the people will also not be burdensome. Since the spirits and the Sage do not cause harm, all will be in balance."

• Translated by Rivenrock, Chapter 60 , Tao Te Ching

In other words, that that rule lightly and just sort of muddle along are more likely to bring about peace.