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The Three Principle Texts of Daoism translated by ... - Bad Request

The Three Principle Texts of Daoism translated by ... - Bad Request

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WarHE who serves a ruler <strong>of</strong> men in harmony withTao will not subdue the Empire <strong>by</strong> force <strong>of</strong>arms. Such a course is wont to bringretribution in its train.Where troops have been quartered, brambles and thornsspring up. In the track <strong>of</strong> great armies there must followlean years.<strong>The</strong> good man wins a victory and then stops; he will notgo on to acts <strong>of</strong> violence. Winning, he boasteth not; hewill not triumph; he shows no arrogance. He winsbecause he cannot choose; after his victory he will not beoverbearing.Weapons, however beautiful, are instruments <strong>of</strong> ill omen,hateful to all creatures. <strong>The</strong>refore he who has Tao willhave nothing to do with them.Where the princely man abides, the weak left hand is inhonour. But he who uses weapons honours the strongerright. Weapons are instruments <strong>of</strong> ill omen; they are notthe instruments <strong>of</strong> the princely man, who uses them onlywhen he needs must. Peace and tranquillity are what he

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