Tao Te Ching Chapter 36

Translation by John H. McDonald

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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Reference: Tao Te Ching