The Lightness of the Tao's Enemy

There is a saying among those who use military force: "I do not dare to start a war; I would rather take the defensive. I do not dare to advance an inch; I would rather retreat a foot." This means: To march without marching. To roll up your sleeves without showing your arms. To face the enemy as if there were no enemy. To hold weapons as if holding no weapons. No disaster is greater than underestimating the enemy. Underestimating the enemy nearly costs me my three treasures. So when two armies are evenly matched, the side that fights with sorrow and compassion—only because it has no choice—will win.