Chapter 68 teaches that victory without battle is the highest art. By embodying the Tao’s rhythm—acting early, yielding strategically, and striking with precision—we transform conflict into harmony, achieving lasting success through effortless alignment.
He who in (Dao’s) wars has skill
Assumes no martial port;
He who fights with most good will
To rage makes no resort.
He who vanquishes yet still
Keeps from his foes apart;
He whose hests men most fulfil
Yet humbly plies his art.Thus we say, ‘He never contends,
And therein is his might.’
Thus we say, ‘Men’s wills he bends,
That they with him unite.’
Thus we say, ‘Like Heaven’s his ends,
No sage of old more bright.’
Those who embody the Tao act in alignment with its principles, harnessing the power of all things rather than contending with them.
With perceptive awareness, they discern subtle signs and ‘tackle difficulties while they are easy, accomplish great deeds through small steps.’ True masters of resolving conflicts, tensions, or wars dissolve them at their nascent stage, neutralizing issues before they manifest visibly.
When conflict becomes unavoidable, they carry no personal emotions or anger for anger becomes a weakness the enemy exploits. They harness the momentum of circumstances to secure victory, not by blaming individuals. Thus, they select the right people and align them with the force of circumstance.
Those skilled in overcoming adversaries never expose weaknesses; they strike decisively at the precise moment, achieving triumph with the least cost.
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