Tao Te Ching

Chapter 69
[Original text]

Those who are good at being soldiers[1] do not fight[2]; those who are good at fighting do not get angry; those who are good at defeating the enemy do not fight[3];It is called the virtue of invincibility, it is called the use of human power, it is called matching with the sky[4], and it is also the ancient extreme[5].

【Note】

[1] Shi: Shiqing, here refers to the ruler.

[2] No force: not to use and show off one's force.

[3] Not with: not to fight, not to fight with each other.

[4] Matching the sky: in line with the way of heaven.

[5] Pole: Supreme Law.

【Analysis】

Those who are good at ruling do not easily use their own force; those who are good at fighting do not easily get angry; those who are good at defeating their enemies do not engage in battle easily; humble attitude.This is the so-called virtue of not competing with all things, this is the so-called ability to "be good at using people", this is the so-called practice in line with the way of heaven, and it is the highest law throughout the ages.

【Explanation by Famous Artists】

Mr. He Shang:
Words value morality, not force.Those who are good at fighting with the way will restrain evil in their chests and minds, never cause harm to Wei Meng, and have nothing to punish and anger.Those who are good at defeating the enemy with Dao use benevolence nearby and virtue when they are far away. They do not compete with the enemy, but the enemy submits themselves.Those who make good use of others to assist themselves are often humble.It is said that the superior acts as the inferior, and this is the morality of not competing with others.To be able to be a subordinate is to use the power of a minister.Those who can do this are worthy of virtue.It is the most important way of ancient times.

(End of this chapter)