One who guides a leader with the Way
does not seek to dominate the world with arms.
Such actions inevitably return upon themselves.

Where armies have camped,
thorns and brambles grow.
In the wake of a great war,
years of famine surely follow.

A skillful commander achieves the aim, then stops,
never daring to impose their strength.
They achieve the result without boasting,
without glorifying,
without arrogance;
only when unavoidable,
and never through force.

What is forceful will decay;
this goes against the Way.
What goes against the Way comes to an early end.