Tao Te Ching #36

 

That which shrinks
Must first expand.
That which fails
Must first be strong.

That which is cast down
Must first be raised.
Before receiving
There must be giving.
 

This is called perception of the nature
of things.
Soft and weak overcome hard and
strong.
 

Fish cannot leave deep waters,
And a country's weapons should not be
displayed.

Translation by Gia Fu Feng & Jane English