Wen Tzu - Verse 132, Part I

from Verse One Hundred Thirty-Two

Those who overcome others have power, those who overcome themselves are strong. Those who can be strong are invariably those who can utilize the power of others. Those who can utilize the power of others are invariably those who win the hearts of others.

~ Wen-tzu: Understanding the Mysteries ~

Hmm. This sounds vaguely familiar, doesn't it? Where could I have heard a similar sentiment before? Ah yes, the Tao Te Ching! To wit,

Mastering others requires force;
Mastering the self needs strength.
~ from Verse 33, Feng & English translation ~

Once we have mastered ourselves, the sky is the limit. There is no going back. Power, however, is totally different. We must continually exert force for it to maintain itself. We must always be on the lookout for enemies and others who can exert more force than we can.

Power necessitates constant vigilance. Strength necessitates an inner calm. Power means an ego-filled fullness, while strength means ego-less emptiness. Power is full of bravado. Strength is a quiet resolve. Power must be projected outward. Strength is focused inward.

They are entirely different animals.

This post is part of a series. For an introduction, go here.