And that's where flexibility enters into the process. The natural temptation in any quest for an objective is to use quick brute force to stubbornly overcome any obstacle that stands in the way. But Lao Tsu warns against it. For this would only cause resistance. Thorn bushes spring up wherever the army has passed.
Lean years follow in the wake of a great war.
Just do what needs to be done. Never take advantage of power. Lao Tsu recommends flexibility over force. At his death he is hard and stiff. Green plants are tender and filled with sap.