《道德经》英译（第三十章）

以道佐人主者，

不以兵强天下。

其事好还：

师之所处，荆棘生焉，

大军之後，必有凶年。

善有果而已，

不敢以取强。

果而勿矜，

果而勿伐，

果而勿骄，

果而不得已，

果而勿强。

物壮则老，

是谓不道，

不道早已。

Chapter 30

He who assists the ruler by means of Tao

Does not conquer other countries by the military force.

Military actions usually invite retaliatory aftermath:

Wherever armies station,

Thistles and thorns grow;

A great war is always followed

By a great famine.

He who is well versed in the art of war

Only uses the force to win the war,

And not to bully or conquer other countries.

Win the war but do not boast;

Win the war but do not brag;

Win the war but do not show arrogance;

Win the war but do not know it is out of necessity;

Win the war but do not thereby bully and conquer other countries.

Whatever is in its prime is bound to decline;

For, being in prime is against Tao;

Whatever goes against Tao

Will come to an early end.