Tao Te Ching Chapter 30

 

He who by Tao purposes to help the ruler of men

Will oppose all conquest by force of arms.

For such things are wont to rebound.

Where armies are, thorns and brambles grow.

The raising of a great host

Is followed by a year of dearth.

 

Therefore a good general effects his purpose and stops.

He dares not rely upon the strength of arms;

Effects his purpose and does not glory in it;

Effects his purpose and does not boast of it;

Effects his purpose and does not take pride in it;

Effects his purpose as a regrettable necessity;

Effects his purpose but does not love violence.

(For) things age after reaching their prime.

That (violence) would be against the Tao.

And he who is against the Tao perishes young.