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"The fact is that weapons are ominous vessels, Which people abhor, And those attaining Dao avoid. In times of peace, men of honor esteem the left; When it comes to using arms they esteem the right. For arms are ominous utensils Not the vessels of men of honor. They are used only as the last resort, And should preferably be treated lightly. A victory is not to be glorified; Those who glorify a victory Are gloating over killing human beings. And those who gloat over killing people Must not be granted their worldly ambitions. On happy occasions the left is the upper hand; On woeful occasions the right is the upper hand. The lieutenant general is positioned on the left; The general is positioned on the right. That is how a funeral ceremony is conducted. With multitudes slaughtered, One should grieve over the occasion. The victory should be treated as a funeral."