The earth is profound, heavy, deep, tranquil. 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.