The Weak Side
Translation by Tree Buffalo
Even excellent arms are not instruments of good fortune.
Most beings despise them.
Therefore, to follow the way of Nature do not dwell there.
Wise leaders instead prefer to dwell on the weak side, using arms only when honoring the strong side.
But since arms are not instruments of good fortune, they are not instruments of good leaders.
Because you cannot gain closure when using them.
Peace and quiet make better results.
Not the enjoyment of conquering.
To enjoy conquering is to enjoy slaughtering people.
And those who enjoy slaughtering people cannot ever obtain what they want in the world!
Therefore, lucky occasions favor the weak side, and unlucky occasions favor the strong side.
That’s why those second in command occupy the weak side and those first in command occupy the strong side.
So, speak as if stopping to mourn.
Weep with sorrow and grief over the killing of many people.
And treat victory in battle as if dwelling at a funeral.
Read some of the first English translations of Chapter 31 here.
