Unevolved people are eager to act out of strength,

but a person of Tao values peace and quiet.

He knows that every being is born of the

womb of Tao.

This means that his enemies are his enemies

second, his own brothers and sisters first.

 

Thus he resorts to weapons only in the direst

necessity; and then uses them with

utmost restraint.

He takes no pleasure in victory, because

to rejoice in victory is to delight in killing.

Whoever delights in killing will not find

success in this world.

 

Observe victories as you observe a

death in the family; with sorrow and mourning.

Every victory is a funeral for kin.

 

 

Tao Te Ching, 31, Tr. Brian Brown Walker