The subtle law can be observed.
When a thing is going to fold,
it spreads and stretches excessively.
When a thing is going to be weak,
it strengthens itself tremendously.
When a thing is going to be finished,
it becomes too prosperous.
When a thing is going to be taken away,
it gets more than it needs.
These are subtle signs of the subtle law
that can be observed.
By attaining this knowledge,
the weak and the soft,
the gentle and the affable,
can overpower the strong and the tough.
The formed life cannot leave the support
of its unformed subtle life energy,
just as a fish cannot live out of water.
When the principle of gentleness is forsaken,
you will find your life unguarded.
Lao Tzu, “The Esoteric Tao Teh Ching”