Tao Te Ching - 36

Lao Tzu's timeless wisdom on force and weapons: A ruler is supported by the people, just as a fish is supported by deep water. Without water, a fish cannot survive. In the same way, it is not in alignment with the Tao to display or threaten people with sharp weapons—it only leads to greater imbalance and disturbance.

36 – Tao Te Ching*


If you want to close something,

You would first open it; 

If you want to weaken something,

you would first strengthen it;
If you want to discard something,
you would first lift it;
If you want to take something,
you would first give it;
This is called the subtle perception:
The gentle and soft overcomes the tough and strong,
Fish can not live without deep water,
Nation's sharp weapons cannot be shown to its people.

Translated by Chiyan Wang and Noah Wang




This chapter teaches the principle of indirect action and hidden strength. To bring something down, you may first need to raise it up; to take, you must first give. True influence often works in subtle, paradoxical ways.
It emphasizes that softness and flexibility can overcome force and hardness, and warns that powerful tools and strategies should be kept hidden, just as fish belong in deep waters, not on display.
The wise leader acts with subtlety and restraint, understanding that real power often lies in concealment and patience.