以道佐人主者，不以兵强天下。其事好还。师之所处，荆棘生焉。大军之后，必有凶年。善者果而已，不敢以取强。果而勿矜，果而勿伐，果而勿骄。果而不得已，果而勿强。物壮则老，是谓不道，不道早已。

Tao Ching Chapter Thirty

One who assists the ruler with the principle of Tao,

Will not use the force of arms to conquer the world.

For such affairs will result in cause and effect.

Wherever the armies touch the land, it is turned into a wasteland of thorns and brambles.

After a war is fought, bad years are sure to follow.

Therefore, one who follows the true nature will understand the principle of cause and effect and shall not rely upon the strength of force.

By knowing the effect, thus one will not brag.

By knowing the effect, thus one will not boast.

By knowing the effect, thus one will not become arrogant.

By knowing the effect, although one has no choice, one still abides with the principle of cause and effect and does not resolve into force.

When things reach their prime, they start to age and decline.

This is the life that is diminishing and shall not reach the ultimate essence.