Interpretation of the War of Tao

Weapons are unlucky tools. All things detest them, so those who follow the Tao do not rely on them. In ordinary times, a gentleman values the left; in war, he values the right. Weapons are not the tools of a gentleman. He uses them only when he has no choice. Even then, calm and restraint are best. Even if he wins, he does not treat it as something beautiful. To treat victory as beautiful is to delight in killing people. One who delights in killing people can never achieve his aims in the world. Auspicious events favor the left; mournful events favor the right. The lieutenant general stands on the left; the supreme general stands on the right. This means war should be treated like a funeral. When many people are killed, one should grieve. Even after winning a war, one should observe it with funeral rites.