Chapter 29
IndexOne who assists a ruler with the Way does not dominate the world with military force.
Such actions tend to rebound.
Where armies have encamped, thorns and brambles grow.
In the wake of great armies, years of famine inevitably follow.
Virtue has its reward, and that's all; it does not dare to seek dominance.
Achieve results but do not boast; achieve results but do not claim credit; achieve results but do not be arrogant.
Achieve results when unavoidable, achieve results but do not force.
When things reach their prime, they begin to age. This is called not following the Dao. What does not follow the Dao ends early.