{
  "meta": {
    "schema_version": "1.1",
    "endpoint": "/api/sources/tao-te-ching/69-chapter-69.json"
  },
  "work": {
    "slug": "tao-te-ching",
    "name": "Tao Te Ching"
  },
  "parents": [],
  "chapter": {
    "num": 69,
    "slug": "69-chapter-69",
    "title": "Chapter 69 — Retreating, Not Advancing",
    "of": 81,
    "words": 129,
    "text": "## Chapter 69\n\n\nA master of the art of war has said, 'I do not dare to be the\nhost (to commence the war); I prefer to be the guest (to act on the\ndefensive). I do not dare to advance an inch; I prefer to retire a\nfoot.' This is called marshalling the ranks where there are no ranks;\nbaring the arms (to fight) where there are no arms to bare; grasping\nthe weapon where there is no weapon to grasp; advancing against the\nenemy where there is no enemy.\n\nThere is no calamity greater than lightly engaging in war. To do\nthat is near losing (the gentleness) which is so precious. Thus it is\nthat when opposing weapons are (actually) crossed, he who deplores\n(the situation) conquers.",
    "project_translation": false,
    "license": null,
    "methodology_url": null
  }
}