69. The Guest and Host
Text
English translation
Original Chinese text
用兵有言：吾不敢为主，而为客；不敢进寸，而退尺。
English translation
There is a saying about the use of arms: I dare not take the attacking role, but would rather respond; I dare not advance an inch, but instead withdraw a foot.
The point is restraint. Courage here means refusing to begin a conflict rashly, not rushing to seize the advantage.
Original Chinese text
是谓行无行；攘无臂；扔无敌；执无兵。
English translation
This is called moving without displaying formations, raising the arms without brandishing them, confronting without treating anyone as an enemy, and holding one's ground without relying on weapons.
These paradoxes describe action without aggressive display. Even when conflict must be faced, hostility is not allowed to take command.
Original Chinese text
祸莫大于轻敌，轻敌几丧吾宝。
English translation
No disaster is greater than underestimating an opponent. To do so nearly costs me what I treasure.
Contempt breeds confidence and reckless action, putting at risk the restraint, care, and compassion that offer real strength.
Original Chinese text
故抗兵相加，哀者胜矣。
English translation
Therefore, when evenly matched forces meet in battle, the side that grieves over the conflict will prevail.
Grief here means recognizing the human cost of war and taking no pleasure in it. Such sobriety preserves judgment better than eagerness to fight.