The sage models himself after the earth. The ravine of the world. The valley of the world. The importance of non-interference in ruling. Force leads to resistance.
Attack leads to reprisal.
Going too far is contrary to Tao and leads to decline. Taoism is non-violent. One must preside over battlefields as over a funeral. Compare to Socrates on the unexamined life. Overcoming others by letting them defeat themselves.