Tao Te Ching - Section 30

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以道佐人主者， Yǐ dào zuǒ rén zhǔ zhě,	A leader who follows the Dao
不以兵强天下。 bù yǐ bīng qiáng tiānxià.	does not conquer with weapons.
其事好还。 Qí shì hǎo huán.	Such methods bring counterforces.
师之所处， Shī zhī suǒ chǔ,	Where armies camp,
荆棘生焉。 jīngjí shēng yān.	thorns and brambles grow.
大军之后， Dà jūn zhīhòu,	After a great war,
必有凶年。 bì yǒu xiōng nián.	lean years are sure to follow.
善者果而已， Shàn zhě guǒ ér yǐ,	Wise leaders achieve results
不敢以取强。 bù gǎn yǐ qǔ qiáng.	without seeking to dominate.
果而勿矜， Guǒ ér wù jīn,	Achieve results without boasting,
果而勿伐， guǒ ér wù fá,	without taking credit,
果而勿骄。 guǒ ér wù jiāo.	without arrogance.
果而不得已， Guǒ ér bùde yǐ,	Achieve results out of necessity,
果而勿强。 guǒ ér wù qiáng.	but never through force.
物壮则老， Wù zhuàng zé lǎo,	Overuse leads to decline,
是谓不道， shì wèi bù dào,	which is against the Dao.
不道早已。 bù dào zǎo yǐ.	What opposes the Dao ends swiftly.