When man is alive, he is supple and soft; when he dies, he is stiff and hard. When trees and plants are born, they are supple and tender; when they die, they are dry and arid.
Stiffness and solidity are the companions of death; softness and weakness are the companions of life. Therefore, if you want to dominate with a strong army, you don't win. When a tree has become strong, it is cut down.
The one who is strong goes under; The one who is supple and weak goes up.