English
31
"Even the finest arms are an instrument of evil, A spread of plague, And the way for a vital man to go is not the way of a soldier. But in time of war men civilized in peace Turn from their higher to their lower nature. Arms are an instrument of evil, No measure for thoughtful men Until there fail all other choice But sad acceptance of it. Triumph is not beautiful. He who thinks triumph beautiful Is one with a will to kill, And one with a will to kill Shall never prevail upon the world. It is a good sign when man's higher nature comes forward, A bad sign when his lower nature comes forward, When retainers take charge And the master stays back As in the conduct of a funeral. The death of a multitude is cause for mourning: Conduct your triumph as a funeral."
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Author
Lao TzuBook
Tao Te Ching
Version: 10