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夫佳兵者，
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The finest weapons |
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不祥之器，
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Are tools of misfortune, |
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物或恶之，
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Despised by all beings. |
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故有道者不处。
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Thus, those who follow Dao avoid them. |
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君子居则贵左，
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In peaceful times, the noble favor the left, |
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用兵则贵右。
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In war, they favor the right. |
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兵者不祥之器，
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Weapons are tools of misfortune, |
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非君子之器，
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Not tools for the noble. |
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不得已而用之，
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Only when absolutely necessary, they are used, |
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恬淡为上。
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And peace is prized above all. |
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胜而不美，
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Victory brings no glory, |
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而美之者，
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To glorify it, |
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是乐杀人。
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Is to delight in killing. |
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夫乐杀人者，
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Those who delight in killing |
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则不可得志于天下矣。
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Cannot achieve their purpose in the world. |
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吉事尚左，
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In auspicious times, the left is honored, |
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凶事尚右。
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In ominous times, the right is favored. |
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偏将军居左，
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The lieutenant stands on the left, |
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上将军居右，
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The general on the right, |
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言以丧礼处之。
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Conducting war as a funeral. |
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杀人之众，
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When many are killed, |
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以悲哀泣之，
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They are mourned with sorrow and tears, |
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战胜以丧礼处之。
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Victory in war is observed as a funeral. |