He who vanquishes yet stillViewing this line from the translational perspective of Feng & English, I think most of us know why it's not a good thing to lord our victories over others! While we may have come out on top this time, we may come out on the bottom next time. Who wants their loss to be thrown in their face?
Keeps from his foes apart;
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~
A good winner is not vengeful
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~
Those who are good at defeating enemies do not engage them
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~
A true victor
does not pursue vengeance.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~
It all goes back to the Golden Rule.
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