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"The commander of war has said: "I dare not be a host, but be a guest. I dare not advance one inch, but withdraw a foot." This means: To set up a march as if without one.* To stretch the arm as if without one. To confront the enemy as if without one.** To grasp war weapons as if without them. No calamity is greater than taking the enemy lightly. Taking the enemy lightly almost makes me lose my treasures.*3* Therefore, in raising arms against each other, The one with pity will win."

Author

Lao Tzu

All Translations

English

"The commander of war has said: "I dare not be a host, but be a guest. I dare not advance one inch, but withdraw a foot." This means: To set up a march as if without one.* To stretch the arm as if without one. To confront the enemy as if without one.** To grasp war weapons as if without them. No calamity is greater than taking the enemy lightly. Taking the enemy lightly almost makes me lose my treasures.*3* Therefore, in raising arms against each other, The one with pity will win."

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