31.1 Even the finest arms are an instrument of evil, A spread of plague, And the way for a vital man to go is not the way of a soldier.

31.2 But in time of war men civilized in peace
Turn from their higher to their lower nature.

31.3 Arms are an instrument of evil, No measure for thoughtful men Until there fail all other choice But sad acceptance of it.

31.4 Triumph is not beautiful. He who thinks
triumph beautiful Is one with a will to kill, And one with a will to kill Shall never prevail upon the world.

31.5 It is a good sign when man’s higher nature comes forward, When retainers take charge And the master stays back As in the conduct of a funeral.

31.6 The death of a multitude is a cause for
mourning: Conduct your triumph as a
funeral .

32.4 But men of culture came, with their grades and their distinctions; And as soon as such differences had been devised No one knew where to end them, Though the one who does know the end of all such differences Is the sound man.

-Tao Te Ching

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