Just came across an old pocket version of the Tao Te Ching. I like the philosophies, though it's been years since any of it's entered my mind.
Randomly flipped to a page to see what kind of randomn wisdom might smack me in the forehead, and I kid you not, this is what I read:
Randomly flipped to a page to see what kind of randomn wisdom might smack me in the forehead, and I kid you not, this is what I read:
Weapons are the tools of violence;
all decent men detest them.
Weapons are the tools of fear;
a descent man will avoid them
except in the direst necessity
and, if compelled, will use them
only with the utmost restraint.
Peace is his highest value.
If the peace has been shattered,
how can he be content?
His enemies are not demons,
but human beings like himself.
He doesn't wish them personal harm.
Nor does he rejoice in victory.
How could he rejoice in victory
and delight in the slaughter of men?
He enters a battle gravely,
with sorrow and with great compassion,
as if he were attending a funeral.