To pass by is the body's natural path. If you don't like it, return to where you came from.
To be twisted, rebound will return to its original state.
Laws and regulations are destructive to good people. As societies decay, people rush to embrace growth. The weak join forces with the strong.
The wise acts with humanity.
True words are often awkward.
other readings further drafts from the same generation
deeper strata where the meaning thins
the original
1. There is nothing in the world more soft and weak than water,
and yet for attacking things that are firm and strong there is nothing
that can take precedence of it;--for there is nothing (so effectual)
for which it can be changed.
2. Every one in the world knows that the soft overcomes the hard, and
the weak the strong, but no one is able to carry it out in practice.
3.
Therefore a sage has said,
'He who accepts his state's reproach,
Is hailed therefore its altars' lord;
To him who bears men's direful woes
They all the name of King accord.'
4. Words that are strictly true seem to be paradoxical.