Chapter 69 · The Guest, Not the Host

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

A master of the art of war has said, 'I do not dare to be the host (to commence the war); I prefer to be the guest (to act on the defensive). I do not dare to advance an inch; I prefer to retire a foot.' This is called marshalling the ranks where there are no ranks; baring the arms (to fight) where there are no arms to bare; grasping the weapon where there is no weapon to grasp; advancing against the enemy where there is no enemy. There is no calamity greater than lightly engaging in war. To do that is near losing (the gentleness) which is so precious. Thus it is that when opposing weapons are (actually) crossed, he who deplores (the situation) conquers.

Rather Be the Guest

Dao De Kooi — an original rendering by David Kooi

The old strategists had a line: I'd rather be the guest than the host, and rather give up a foot than grab an inch. Call it advancing without advancing, rolling up your sleeves without throwing a punch, facing the enemy like there's no enemy to face, holding your ground without making a show of arms. Nothing's worse than taking the other side lightly - underestimate them and you've about lost everything that mattered to you. So when two sides clash and it's close, it's the one who hates it, the one grieving, who comes out ahead.

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