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"What is to be reduced, Must first be expanded. What is to be weakened, Must first be made strong (ch'iang). What is to be abolished, Must first be established. What is to be taken away, Must first be given. This is called the subtle illumination (wei ming). The soft and weak overcome the hard and strong. Fish must not leave the stream. Sharp weapons (ch'i) of a state, Must not be displayed."
Author
Lao TzuAll Translations
English
"What is to be reduced, Must first be expanded. What is to be weakened, Must first be made strong (ch'iang). What is to be abolished, Must first be established. What is to be taken away, Must first be given. This is called the subtle illumination (wei ming). The soft and weak overcome the hard and strong. Fish must not leave the stream. Sharp weapons (ch'i) of a state, Must not be displayed."