Chapter 36

When one is about to take an inspiration, he is sure to make a (previous) expiration; when he is going to weaken another, he will first strengthen him; when he is going to overthrow another, he will first have raised him up; when he is going to despoil another, he will first have made gifts to him:--this is called 'Hiding the light (of his procedure).' The soft overcomes the hard; and the weak the strong. Fishes should not be taken from the deep; instruments for the profit of a state should not be shown to the people.

Commentary

THE SECRET'S EXPLANATION. 1. That which is about to contract has surely been expanded. That which is abou t to weaken has surely been strengthened. That which is about to fall has surely been raised. That which is about to be despoiled has surely been endowed. 2. This is an explanation of the secret that the tender and the weak conquer the hard and the strong. 3. As the fish should not escape from the deep, so with the country's sharp tools the people should not become acquainted. Next: 37. Administration of Government | ...

Sources: Paul Carus (1913) - Chapter heading; Paul Carus (1913) - Canon of Reason and Virtue