Chapter XXX
(Chapter 30)

Ko Yuen Translation A Warning Against War
1.	If a king summon to his aid a Master of the Tao, let Him not advise recourse to arms. Such action certainly bringeth the corresponding reaction.
2.	Where armies are, are weeds. Bad harvests follow great hosts.
3.	The good general striketh decisively, once and for all. He does not risk¹ by overboldness. He striketh, but doth not vaunt his victory. He striketh according to strict law of necessity, not from desire of victory.
4.	Things become strong and ripe, then age. This is discord with the Tao; and what is not at one with the Tao soon cometh to an end.

S. Mitchell Translation

Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men
doesn't try to force issues
or defeat enemies by force of arms.
For every force there is a counterforce.
Violence, even well intentioned,
always rebounds upon oneself.

The Master does his job
and then stops.
He understands that the universe
is forever out of control,
and that trying to dominate events
goes against the current of the Tao.
Because he believes in himself,
he doesn't try to convince others.
Because he is content with himself,
he doesn't need others' approval.
Because he accepts himself,
the whole world accepts him.

James Legge Translation
1.	He who would assist a lord of men in harmony with the Tao will not assert his mastery in the kingdom by force of arms. Such a course is sure to meet with its proper return.
2.	Wherever a host is stationed, briars and thorns spring up. In the sequence of great armies there are sure to be bad years.
3.	A skilful (commander) strikes a decisive blow, and stops. He does not dare (by continuing his operations) to assert and complete his mastery. He will strike the blow, but will be on his guard against being vain or boastful or arrogant in consequence of it. He strikes it as a matter of necessity; he strikes it, but not from a wish for mastery.
4.	When things have attained their strong maturity they become old. This may be said to be not in accordance with the Tao: and what is not in accordance with it soon comes to an end.

GNL not Lao Interpolation

Violence

Powerful men are well advised not to use violence,
For violence has a habit of returning;
Thorns and weeds grow wherever an army goes,
And lean years follow a great war.

A general is well advised
To achieve nothing more than his orders:
Not to take advantage of his victory.
Nor to glory, boast or pride himself;
To do what is dictated by necessity,
Not by choice.

For even the strongest force will weaken with time,
And then its violence will return, and kill it.

Tao Teh King
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Ko Yuen Commentary
1.	counter-attack. In other words, he acts according to the rules of the game, without losing his head by vain-glory, ambition or hatred. Return to text
2.	forcing-on of strength, instead of allowing natural growth. Return to text

Tao Teh King
Main Page

Chapter XXX (Chapter 30)

Ko Yuen Translation

A Warning Against War

S. Mitchell Translation

James Legge Translation

GNL not Lao Interpolation

Violence

Ko Yuen Commentary

Chapter XXX
(Chapter 30)