Chapter 29
第二十九章
If any one should wish to get the kingdom for himself, and to effect this by what he does, I see that he will not succeed.
将欲取天下而为之，吾见其不得已。
The kingdom is a spirit-like thing, and cannot be got by active doing.
天下神器，不可为也。
He who would so win it destroys it; he who would hold it in his grasp loses it.
为者败之，执者失之。

The course and nature of things is such that What was in front is now behind;
故物或行或随；
What warmed anon we freezing find.
或嘘或吹，
Strength is of weakness oft the spoil;
或强或羸，
The store in ruins mocks our toil.
或挫或隳。
Hence the sage puts away excessive effort, extravagance, and easy indulgence.
是以圣人去甚，去奢，去泰。