31. Sharp weapons are inauspicious instruments
Sharp weapons are inauspicious instruments.
Everyone hates them.
Therefore, the man of the Tao is not comfortable with them.
In the domestic affairs of the gentleman
The left is the position of honor.
In military affairs, the right is the position of honor.
Since weapons are inauspicious instruments, they are not the instruments of the gentleman
So he uses them without enjoyment
And values plainness.
Victory is never sweet.
Those for whom victory is sweet
Are those who enjoy killing.
If you enjoy killing, you cannot gain the the trust of the people.
On auspicious occasions the place of honor is on the left.
On inauspicious occasions the place of honor is on the right.
The lieutenant commander stands on the left.
The commander-in-chief stands on the right.
And they speak, using the funerary rights to bury them.
The common people, from whom all the dead have come
Weep in lamentation.
The victors bury them with funerary rites.
May 4th, 2007 at 12:10 am
I would perfer to stand behind the leader I choose, and follow him!