Section 36
将欲歙之,必固张之;将欲弱之,必固强之;将欲废之,必固兴之;将欲夺之,必固与之。是谓微明。柔弱胜刚强。鱼不可脱于渊,国之利器不可以示人。
If you intend to close it,
You must first open it;
If you intend to weaken it,
You must first strengthen it;
If you intend to cast it out,
You must first to flourish it;
If you intend to take it,
You must first give it.
This is called subtle wisdom.
Soft and weak overcome hard and strong.
Fish cannot leave deep water.
A country’s sharp weapons cannot be revealed.