How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Line)
Quote #10
Therefore, an inflexible army will not win
A strong tree will be cut down
The big and forceful occupy a lowly position
While the soft and pliant occupy a higher place (76.10-13)
Here's more evidence that the TTC isn't totally and completely against warfare. If it's giving advice on how to win a battle, it has to be recognizing that sometimes we just have to go there. The key advice here is that being flexible and adapting to changes will win a battle more quickly than brute force. Do think this is always true?
Quote #11
Small country, few people
Let them have many weapons but not use them (80.1-2)
Okay wait... How about that quote earlier that said arming the people would make a country chaotic? Does that not apply to small counties? It seems like this quote is totally recognizing that sometimes countries and people have to use violence to defend themselves from bullies. Ultimately, it seems like while Taoism seriously advises against war and violence of all kinds, it's not an all-pacifism-all-the-time kind of religion.