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Like a Guest

"Warriors say: I dare not be like the host, But would rather be like the guest. I dare not advance an inch, But would rather retreat a foot. This is called marching without marching, Grabbing without arms, Charging without enemy, Seizing without weapons. No misfortune is worse Than underestimating the enemy. Underestimating the enemy, I risk losing my treasure. Therefore: When equal armies battle, The grieving one will be victorious."

Author

Lao Tzu

All Translations

English

"Warriors say: I dare not be like the host, But would rather be like the guest. I dare not advance an inch, But would rather retreat a foot. This is called marching without marching, Grabbing without arms, Charging without enemy, Seizing without weapons. No misfortune is worse Than underestimating the enemy. Underestimating the enemy, I risk losing my treasure. Therefore: When equal armies battle, The grieving one will be victorious."

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