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"In engaging in warfare it is said: I dare not be the host but be the guest, I dare not advance an inch but retreat a foot. This is called to march without advancing, To roll up one's sleeves without baring one's arms, To throw a rope without an enemy, To carry without a weapon. Of all calamities (huo), None is greater than underestimating one's enemy. In underestimating my enemy, I risk losing my treasure (pao). Therefore when opposing armies are engaged in battle, The sorrowful party will win."

Author

Lao Tzu

All Translations

English

"In engaging in warfare it is said: I dare not be the host but be the guest, I dare not advance an inch but retreat a foot. This is called to march without advancing, To roll up one's sleeves without baring one's arms, To throw a rope without an enemy, To carry without a weapon. Of all calamities (huo), None is greater than underestimating one's enemy. In underestimating my enemy, I risk losing my treasure (pao). Therefore when opposing armies are engaged in battle, The sorrowful party will win."

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