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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 TzuAll 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."