Whenever you advise a ruler in the way of Tao,

Counsel him not to use force to conquer the universe.

For this would only cause resistance.

Thorn bushes spring up wherever the army passed.

Lean years follow in the wake of a great war.

Just do what needs to be done.

Never take advantage of power.

How would a ruler in ancient times interpret this? A peasant or merchant? Or a modern leader of today?