No Greater Misfortune than an Enemy

When a country is in harmony with the Tao, 

the factories make trucks and tractors. 

When a country goes counter to the Tao, 

warheads are stockpiled outside the cities. 

There is no greater illusion than fear, 

no greater wrong than preparing to defend yourself, 

no greater misfortune than having an enemy. 

Whoever can see through all fear will always be safe.

-- Tao te Ching 46 (Stephen Mitchell)

Weapons are the tools of fear; 

a decent 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...

His enemies are not demons, 

but human beings like himself. 

He doesn't wish them personal harm. 

Nor does he rejoice in victory...

He enters a battle gravely, 

with sorrow and with great compassion, 

as if he were attending a funeral.

-- Tao te Ching 31 (Stephen Mitchell)