Chapter 36
第三十六章
When one is about to take an inspiration, he is sure to make a (previous) expiration;
将欲歙之,必固张之;
when he is going to weaken another, he will first strengthen him;
将欲弱之,必固强之;
when he is going to overthrow another, he will first have raised him up;
将欲废之,必固举之;
when he is going to despoil another, he will first have made gifts to him:
将欲取之,必固予之。
this is called 'Hiding the light (of his procedure).'
是谓微明。
The soft overcomes the hard; and the weak the strong.
柔弱胜刚强。
Fishes should not be taken from the deep; instruments for the profit of a state should not be shown to the people.
鱼不可脱于渊,国之利器不可以示人。