Peace and quiet are preferred. Victory should not be praised.
Those who praise victory relish manslaughter. Those who relish manslaughter cannot reach their goals in the world.
When many people are killed, they should be mourned and lamented. Those who are victorious in war should follow the rites of funerals.
The fish cannot leave the deep waters. The state’s weaponry should not be displayed.
The forceful and violent will not die from natural causes.
When the Way governs the world, the proud stallions drag dung carriages. When the Way is lost to the world, war horses are bred outside the city.
Those who have compassion when they do battle will be victorious. Those who likewise defend themselves will be safe. Heaven will rescue and protect them with compassion.
Excellent warriors are not violent.
Warriors say: I dare not be like the host, but would rather be like the guest. I dare not advance an inch, but would rather retreat a foot.
No misfortune is worse than underestimating the enemy. Underestimating the enemy, I risk losing my treasure.
When equal armies battle, the grieving one will be victorious.
The unyielding army will not win.
When bitter enemies make peace, surely some bitterness remains.
Although there are weapons for tens and hundreds of soldiers, they will not be used.
If you are untrustworthy, people will not trust you.
The things that have acquired unity are these: Heaven by unity has become clear; Earth by unity has become steady; The Spirit by unity has become spiritual; The Valley by unity has become full; All things by unity have come into existence.
The wise man looks back into the past, and does not grieve over what is far off, nor rejoice over what is near; for he knows that time is without end.
Whatever one cultivates, is what one becomes.
The greatest teacher has nothing to say. He simply gives himself in service, and never worries.
The best soldier does not attack. The superior fighter succeeds without violence. The greatest conqueror wins without struggle. The most successful manager leads without dictating. This is intelligent non aggressiveness.