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69

"The military has a saying: I do not dare to play host, Much rather play guest; I do not dare to advance an inch, Much rather retreat a foot. This is called marching without formation, Flexing muscles without raising an arm, Facing up without confronting the enemy, Grasping firmly without holding weapons. No disaster is bigger than taking the enemy lightly; Taking the enemy lightly almost cost me my treasures. When two armies of equal strength confront, The one in grief wins."

Author

Lao Tzu

All Translations

English

"The military has a saying: I do not dare to play host, Much rather play guest; I do not dare to advance an inch, Much rather retreat a foot. This is called marching without formation, Flexing muscles without raising an arm, Facing up without confronting the enemy, Grasping firmly without holding weapons. No disaster is bigger than taking the enemy lightly; Taking the enemy lightly almost cost me my treasures. When two armies of equal strength confront, The one in grief wins."

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