Chapter 30

Force is not needed to achieve a result. Using force, arms, weapons, or violence always rebounds. For every force there is a counterforce. Disasters have a way of perpetuating themselves through a chain of reactions. Do the job, stop, and let it go. Understand that the universe is forever out of control. Trying to dominate or force events goes against the current of the TAO. Believe in yourself--there is no need to convince others. Content, you do not need others' approval. By accepting yourself, you accept whatever outcome results. Thus the whole world accepts you. Understand the law of balance, the working of karma, the law of necessity, the law of natural growth, and learn to flow with what is. Fight only when necessary, and then strike decisively and completely to eliminate all risk of further trouble. Don't be concerned with success, glory, pride, ambition, or hatred, but be concerned with efficiently protecting your own space without the desire to dominate or conquer another. What is not one with the TAO soon ends, and soon returns to TAO.