← Table of contents Tao Te Ching illustration
善为士者不武;
Shàn wéi shì zhě bù wǔ;
The finest warrior does not engage in violence.
善战者不怒;
Shàn zhàn zhě bù nù;
The true fighter remains calm.
善胜敌者不与;
Shàn shèng dí zhě bù yǔ;
The best victor harbors no hostility.
善用人者为之下。
Shàn yòng rén zhě wéi zhī xià.
The wise leader remains humble.
是谓不争之德,
Shì wèi bù zhēng zhī dé,
This represents the virtue of non-contention,
是谓用人之力,
Shì wèi yòng rén zhī lì,
This exemplifies the strength of effective leadership,
是谓配天古之极。
Shì wèi pèi tiān gǔ zhī jí.
This embodies the ancient unity with the Dao.