| Force of Arms Whoever advises a leader according to the Way opposes conquest by force of arms. The use of force tends to rebound. Where armies march, thorns and brambles grow. Whenever a great army is formed, scarcity and famine follow. The skillful achieve their purposes and stop. They dare not rely on force. They achieve their purposes, but do not glory in them. They achieve their purposes, but do not celebrate them. They achieve their purposes, but do not take pride in them. They achieve their purposes, but without violence. Things reach their prime and then decline. Violence is contrary to the Way. Whatever is contrary to the Way will soon perish. |
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