第六篇: 自知

原文

夫智者见于未萌，愚者暗于成事。故知己之害而图彼之利者，胜。知可以战不可以战者，胜。识众寡之用者，胜。以虞待不虞者，胜。以逸待劳者，胜。不战而屈人者，胜。《老子》曰﹕“自知者明。”

白话文

智慧的人在事情尚未发生时便能察觉端倪，愚昧的人即使事情已成仍不明所以。所以，知道自己的弱点而谋取对方的漏洞者能胜；知道何时可战何时不可战者能胜；明白众寡之势如何运用者能胜；以有备待无备者能胜；以安逸待疲劳者能胜；不经激战而压服对手者能胜。《老子》说：“自知的人明智。”

Translation

The wise perceive what has not yet sprouted; the foolish remain blind even after events are complete. Therefore he who knows his own dangers and seeks the enemy’s openings wins. He who knows when battle may be joined and when it may not wins. He who understands the uses of many and few wins. He who meets the unprepared with preparation wins. He who meets the weary with freshness wins. He who subdues others without battle wins. Laozi says: “He who knows himself is enlightened.”