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"One who assists the ruler with Tao, Does not overpower (ch'iang) the world by military conquests. Such affairs have a way of returning (huan): Where armies are stationed, Briars and thorns grow, After great campaigns, Bad years are sure to follow. The good person is resolute (kuo) only, But dares not (kan) take the path of the strong (ch'iang). Be resolute (kuo) yet do not boast (ching), Be resolute yet do not show off (fa), Be resolute yet do not be haughty, Be resolute because you have no choice, Be resolute yet do not overpower (ch'iang). When things are full grown, they age. This is called not following Tao. Not following Tao they perish early."

Author

Lao Tzu

All Translations

English

"One who assists the ruler with Tao, Does not overpower (ch'iang) the world by military conquests. Such affairs have a way of returning (huan): Where armies are stationed, Briars and thorns grow, After great campaigns, Bad years are sure to follow. The good person is resolute (kuo) only, But dares not (kan) take the path of the strong (ch'iang). Be resolute (kuo) yet do not boast (ching), Be resolute yet do not show off (fa), Be resolute yet do not be haughty, Be resolute because you have no choice, Be resolute yet do not overpower (ch'iang). When things are full grown, they age. This is called not following Tao. Not following Tao they perish early."

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