36
WHAT is in the end to be shrunken,
Begins by being first stretched
out.
What is in the end to be weakened,
Begins by being first made
strong.
What is in the end to be thrown down,
Begins by being first
set on high.
What is in the end to be despoiled,
Begins by being
first richly endowed.
Herein is the subtle wisdom of life:
The soft and weak overcomes the
hard and strong.
Just as the fish must not leave the deeps,
So the ruler must not
display his weapons.
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