Dao De Jing – Chapter 69

Chapter 69 employs military metaphors to unveil the Daoist philosophy of ‘retreating to advance’ and ‘softness overcoming hardness’. Lao Tzu first references ancient military wisdom: ‘I dare not take the initiative but prefer to respond; I dare not advance an inch but prefer to withdraw a foot’. This emphasizes avoiding provocation, resisting rash aggression, and instead retreating strategically to observe the situation, gather strength, and act with hidden intent. Actions remain concealed, leaving no trace for the enemy to follow—appearing as non-action, yet embodying the stratagem of ‘formlessness conquering form’ .

There is an old saying about the use of arms:
“I dare not take the offensive, but remain on the defensive;
I dare not advance even an inch, but rather retreat a foot.”

This is called:
marching without formation,
striking without raising an arm,
engaging without an adversary,
grasping without weapons.

There is no greater disaster than underestimating the enemy;
to underestimate the enemy is nearly to lose my treasures.

Thus, when two armies of equal strength clash,
victory belongs to the one who fights with compassion.

Note

In stark contrast, underestimating the enemy stems from subjective arrogance, impulsive emotion, and blind confidence. Such an approach ignores the peril of ego-attachment, violates the Tao’s laws, and deviates from the Three Treasures —compassion, frugality, and humility — inviting calamity.

When opposing forces clash, the side that is righteous or disadvantaged, driven by oppression, invasion, or dire circumstances, carries a heart of grief, righteous anger, and acute crisis-awareness. This ‘compassionate underdog’, as Laozi states, ‘wins through mourning’, for their resolve and unity, forged in adversity, transcend mere tactical advantage. Thus, victory flows not from might but from alignment with the Dao’s hidden currents—where humility and empathy become invincible weapons.”

Further Reading

• Chapters 67 and 68: This chapter is a continuation of the “Three Treasures” philosophy. The concepts of “compassion” and “daring not to be ahead in the world” introduced in Chapter 67 form the theoretical basis for this chapter’s principles of “daring not to take the initiative but to take the guest position” and “the sorrowing side will be victorious.” Furthermore, statements in this chapter, such as “march without moving,” serve as concrete validation of the “virtue of non-contention” and “employing the strength of others” discussed in Chapter 68.
• Chapter 66: They share a common thread in the philosophy of “humility.” While Chapter 66 explains why “rivers and seas can be kings of all valleys,” this chapter transforms that humble stance into a military strategy, advocating advancing by retreating—preferring to retreat a foot rather than rashly advance an inch.
• Chapter 73: Both explore the theme of “non-contention.” Chapter 73 posits that “the way of heaven is to prevail without contention,” and this chapter, through specific descriptions like “march without moving; roll up your sleeves without baring your arms,” demonstrates the practical form of non-contention in warfare—the “formless” overcoming the “formed.”
• Chapter 36: They echo each other in the dialectical logic of “advancing by retreating.” Chapter 36 states, “If you wish to contract it, you must first expand it.” The “retreating a foot” advocated in this chapter is not merely a defensive posture but a strategy to lure the enemy in, utilizing the principle of transformation between misfortune and fortune to defeat the opponent.

用兵有言：吾不敢為主，而為客；不敢進寸，而退尺。是謂行無行；攘無臂；扔無敵；執無兵。禍莫大於輕敵，輕敵幾喪吾寶。故抗兵相加，哀者勝矣。