Chapter 31: The Unease of Weapons
Laozi views weapons as inauspicious, something only to be used when unavoidable. Even victory should be treated as a funeral — with grief and sorrow.
📖 Definition
Chapter 31 views weapons as inauspicious. Even victory should be treated as a funeral — with grief. Those who delight in killing cannot get what they want in the world.
Source Text
Read the original alongside the English rendering
Original Chinese
夫佳兵者，不祥之器，物或惡之，故有道者不處。
君子居則貴左，用兵則貴右。
兵者不祥之器，非君子之器，不得已而用之，恬淡為上。
勝而不美，而美之者，是樂殺人。
夫樂殺人者，則不可以得志於天下矣。
吉事尚左，凶事尚右。
偏將軍居左，上將軍居右，言以喪禮處之。
殺人之眾，以哀悲泣之，戰勝以喪禮處之。
English Rendering
Fine weapons are inauspicious instruments — not things good people use.
Things sometimes hate them, therefore those with the Tao do not stay with them.
The gentleman prefers the left in peacetime, prefers the right in war.
Weapons are inauspicious instruments — not the gentleman's instruments.
Use them only when there is no choice.
Be calm and detached — this is best.
Victory is not beautiful.
If you think it is beautiful, you delight in killing.
Those who delight in killing cannot get what they want in the world.
Auspicious events prefer the left.
Inauspicious events prefer the right.
The lower general stands on the left.
The senior general stands on the right.
This means war is treated as a funeral.
When many are killed, mourn them with grief and sorrow.
Victory in war should be treated as a funeral.
Weapons Are Inauspicious
夫佳兵者，不祥之器 — “Fine weapons are inauspicious instruments.”
Weapons are associated with death, not life. Good people do not use them willingly.
Not Staying With Them
故有道者不處 — “Therefore those with the Tao do not stay with them.”
The person following the Tao does not keep weapons ready. They prefer peace.
The Gentleman’s Preference
君子居則貴左，用兵則貴右 — “The gentleman prefers the left in peacetime, prefers the right in war.”
In Chinese culture, left is yang (life), right is yin (death). This shows respect for the gravity of war.
Using Only When Unavoidable
不得已而用之 — “Use them only when there is no choice.”
Weapons should only be used as a last resort. Even then, they should be used calmly.
Victory Is Not Beautiful
勝而不美 — “Victory is not beautiful.”
Victory in war is not something to celebrate. It means people died.
Delighting in Killing
夫樂殺人者，則不可以得志於天下矣 — “Those who delight in killing cannot get what they want in the world.”
The person who enjoys killing will never achieve their goals. They destroy themselves.
Treated as a Funeral
戰勝以喪禮處之 — “Victory in war should be treated as a funeral.”
Even victory should be mourned, not celebrated. This respects the dead.
Modern Application
We celebrate military victories and sports wins. Chapter 31 suggests: victory should be mourned, not celebrated.
Key Takeaways
- Weapons are inauspicious
- Good people avoid them
- Use only when unavoidable
- Victory is not beautiful
- Delighting in killing leads to failure
- Victory should be treated as a funeral
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Written by
Lee
Lee explains Chinese philosophy, strategy, and stories in plain English — for people who want ancient wisdom they can actually use. Based in China, writing for the world.
More about Lee →Related Articles
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- Chapter 35Chapter 35: The Attraction of the Tao
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Laozi prefer the left in peacetime but the right in war?
Does Laozi completely oppose military action?
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