Chapter 36

Chapter 36

If you want something to return to the source,
you must first allow it to spread out.
If you want something to weaken,
you must first allow it to become strong.
If you want something to be removed,
you must first allow it to flourish.
If you want to possess something,
you must first give it away.

This is called the subtle understanding
of how things are meant to be.

The soft and pliable overcomes the hard and inflexible.

Just as fish remain hidden in deep waters,
it is best to keep weapons out of sight.

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Some commentators note that this chapter is purely Machiavellian and unethical. Yulgok Yi Yi, a respected Korean scholar that survived in the medieval times, also claims, if I remember correctly, that the content of this chapter is purely wicked and employed mostly by devious schemers.

Didn’t I say that Lao Tzu is unafraid to kill people in self-defense?

When we finally decide that we should resort to violence, we must bide time and patiently look for an opening rather than exerting our force right head on.

As Robert Greene said, we must look for our enemy’s thumbscrews.