Chapter 30 · Against the Sway of Arms

Tao Te Ching (Legge, 1891) · chapter title added by Learn the Dao

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The chapter’s first line

He who would assist a lord of men in harmony with the Tao will not assert his mastery in the kingdom by force of arms.

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This chapter in plain modern English — David Kooi’s rendering ↓

He who would assist a lord of men in harmony with the Tao will not assert his mastery in the kingdom by force of arms. Such a course is sure to meet with its proper return. Wherever a host is stationed, briars and thorns spring up. In the sequence of great armies there are sure to be bad years. A skilful (commander) strikes a decisive blow, and stops. He does not dare (by continuing his operations) to assert and complete his mastery. He will strike the blow, but will be on his guard against being vain or boastful or arrogant in consequence of it. He strikes it as a matter of necessity; he strikes it, but not from a wish for mastery. When things have attained their strong maturity they become old. This may be said to be not in accordance with the Tao: and what is not in accordance with it soon comes to an end.

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Such a course is sure to — missed meet with its proper return

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Chapter 30, in a second rendering

The Weeds Take Over

Dao De Kooi — an original rendering by David Kooi

If you're advising someone in charge, don't reach for force to throw your weight around. That stuff comes back on you. Wherever the armies camp, the weeds take over. After the big fight comes the lean years. The structural cost is real, and it always shows up late. Do what the situation needs and stop. Don't use the win to dominate. Get it done without the bragging, without the strutting, without the pride - get it done because it had to be, not to prove a point. Things hit their peak and then they age. Forcing the peak is off the Dao, and what's off the Dao ends early.

Next · Chapter 31Now arms, however beautiful, are instruments of evil omen…Read chapter 31 →

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