Tao Te Ching home page
| chapter 68
| chapter 70
Tao Te Ching - Lao Tzu - chapter 69
There is a saying amongst soldiers:
I dare not make the first move but would rather play the guest;
I dare not advance an inch but would rather withdraw a foot.
This is called marching without appearing to move,
Rolling up your sleeves without showing your arm,
Capturing the enemy without attacking,
Being armed without weapons.
There is no greater catastrophe than underestimating the enemy.
By underestimating the enemy, I almost lose what I value.
Therefore when the battle is joined,
The underdog will win.
(translation by Gia-fu Feng and Jane English)
Tao Te Ching home page
| chapter 68
| chapter 70