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"There is a saying about using the military: I would not think of taking the offensive But only of defending my ground; I would not think of taking an inch But only of giving up a foot. This is what is called Deploying forward without bringing the troops, Throwing a punch without raising a hand, Grasping tightly without having a weapon in hand, Launching an assault without confronting an enemy. There is no calamity greater than underestimating the enemy, For underestimating the enemy is tantamount to losing your treasures. Hence, when two armies, evenly matched, cross swords in combat, It is the side that laments the need to do so that wins the day."
Author
Lao TzuAll Translations
English
"There is a saying about using the military: I would not think of taking the offensive But only of defending my ground; I would not think of taking an inch But only of giving up a foot. This is what is called Deploying forward without bringing the troops, Throwing a punch without raising a hand, Grasping tightly without having a weapon in hand, Launching an assault without confronting an enemy. There is no calamity greater than underestimating the enemy, For underestimating the enemy is tantamount to losing your treasures. Hence, when two armies, evenly matched, cross swords in combat, It is the side that laments the need to do so that wins the day."