Those who rule in accordance with Tao
do not use force against the world
For that which is forced is likely to return—
Where armies settle
Nature offers nothing but briars and thorns
After a great battle has been fought
the land is cursed, the crops fail,
the Earth lies stripped of its motherhood
A knower of the Truth does what is called for
then stops
He uses his strength but does not force things
In the same way
complete your task
seek no reward
make no claims
Without faltering
fully choose to do what you must do
This is to live without forcing
to overcome without conquering
Things that gain a place by force
will flourish for a time
but then fade away
They are not in keeping with Tao
Whatever is not in keeping with Tao
will come to an early end