Chapter 62
The Tao is the center of the
universe, the good man's treasure, the bad man's refuge…. ….thus,
when a new leader is chosen, don't offer to help him with your
wealth or your expertise. Offer instead to teach him about the
Tao.
Chapter 31
Weapons are the tools of
violence; all decent men detest them.
Weapons are the tools of fear; a
decent man will avoid them except in the direst necessity and,
if compelled, will use them only with the utmost restraint.
Peace is his highest value. If the peace has been shattered how
can he be content? His enemies are not demons, but human beings
like himself. He doesn't wish them personal harm. Nor does he
rejoice in victory. How could he rejoice in victory and delight
in the slaughter of men?
He enters battle gravely, with
sorrow and with great compassion, as if he were attending a
funeral
Chapter 69
The generals have a saying
"Rather than to make the first move it is better to wait
and see. Rather than advance an inch it is better to retreat a
yard."
This is called going forward
without advancing, pushing back without using weapons.
There is no greater misfortune
than underestimating your enemy. Underestimating your enemy
means thinking that he is evil. Thus you destroy your three treasures
(simplicity, patience, compassion) and become an enemy yourself.
When two great forces oppose each
other, the victory will go to the one that knows how to yield.
Chapter 30
Whoever relies on the Tao in
governing men doesn't try to force issues or defeat enemies by
force or arms. For every force there is a counterforce.
Violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself….
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