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76

"In life, man is soft and tender, In death, he is rigid and hard. In life, plants and trees are soft and pliant, In death, they are withered and tough. Thus rigidity and hardness are companions of death. Softness and tenderness are companions of life. That is why the soldier who trusts only in strength does not conquer, The tree that relies on its strength invites the axe. Great strength dwells below, Softness and tenderness dwell above."

Author

Lao Tzu

All Translations

English

"In life, man is soft and tender, In death, he is rigid and hard. In life, plants and trees are soft and pliant, In death, they are withered and tough. Thus rigidity and hardness are companions of death. Softness and tenderness are companions of life. That is why the soldier who trusts only in strength does not conquer, The tree that relies on its strength invites the axe. Great strength dwells below, Softness and tenderness dwell above."

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