“69. 1. A master of the art of war has said, ‘I do not dare to be the host (to commence the war); I prefer to be the guest (to act on the defensive). I do not dare to advance an inch; I prefer to retire a foot.’ This is called marshalling the ranks where there are no ranks; baring the arms (to fight) where there are no arms to bare; grasping the weapon where there is no weapon to grasp; advancing against the enemy where there is no enemy.”
“2. There is no calamity greater than lightly engaging in war. To do that is near losing (the gentleness) which is so precious. Thus it is that when opposing weapons are (actually) crossed, he who deplores (the situation) conquers.”
Excerpt From: Laozi. “The Tao Teh King, or the Tao and its Characteristics.”
As always, the astrofish.net hosted version is here.
Pink Cake
Pink Cake is a commonplace book.
ISBN–13: 978–1434805751
A Commonplace Book (full text PDF & cut quotes PDF)