#30*

The minister who relies on the DAO
never threatens all under heaven with violence.
Surely such an action must lead to retaliation.

Wherever troops walk, weeds grow
After the time of war, must come the time of famine.

The good strategist desires the fruit of struggle: tranquility.
He dares not rely upon violence.

He succeeds in the struggle
but does not boast.
He achieves but does not brag.
He gains but is not proud.
He succeeds in the struggle
and voids violence as last resort.

For violent victory brings decay:

Such does not have the Great Way
and being off the Way is death.

*Translation by LU Wenlong & Keith Wayne Brown, ©2013.

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