“ How could he rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men? ”
Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching (4th century BC). copy citation
| Author | Lao Tzu |
|---|---|
| Source | Tao Te Ching |
| Topic | victory joy slaughter |
| Date | 4th century BC |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Stephen Mitchell |
| Weblink | https://terebess.hu/english/tao/mitchell.html |
Context
“If the peace has been shattered, how can he be content?
His enemies are not demons, but human beings like himself.
He doesn't wish them personal harm.
Nor does he rejoice in victory.
How could he rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men? He enters a battle gravely,
with sorrow and with great compassion, as if he were attending a funeral.
32 The Tao can't be perceived.
Smaller than an electron, it contains uncountable galaxies.” source
His enemies are not demons, but human beings like himself.
He doesn't wish them personal harm.
Nor does he rejoice in victory.
How could he rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men? He enters a battle gravely,
with sorrow and with great compassion, as if he were attending a funeral.
32 The Tao can't be perceived.
Smaller than an electron, it contains uncountable galaxies.” source
Meaning and analysis
