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"One who assists the ruler of men by means of the way does not intimidatethe empire by a show of arms. This is something which is liable to rebound. Where troops have encamped There will brambles grow; In the wake of a mighty army Bad harvests follow without fail. One who is good aims only at bringing his campaign to a conclusion anddare not thereby intimidate. Bring it to a conclusion but do not brag; Bring it to a conclusion but do not be arrogant; Bring it to a conclusion but only when there is no choice; Bring it to a conclusion but do not intimidate. A creature in its prime doing harm to the old Is known as going against the way. That which goes against the way will come to an early end."

Author

Lao Tzu

All Translations

English

"One who assists the ruler of men by means of the way does not intimidatethe empire by a show of arms. This is something which is liable to rebound. Where troops have encamped There will brambles grow; In the wake of a mighty army Bad harvests follow without fail. One who is good aims only at bringing his campaign to a conclusion anddare not thereby intimidate. Bring it to a conclusion but do not brag; Bring it to a conclusion but do not be arrogant; Bring it to a conclusion but only when there is no choice; Bring it to a conclusion but do not intimidate. A creature in its prime doing harm to the old Is known as going against the way. That which goes against the way will come to an early end."

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