【原文】始乎无端，卒乎无穷。始乎无端，道也。卒乎无穷，德也。道不可量，德不可数。不可量，则众强不能图。不可数，则为轴不敢乡。两者备施，动静有功。《幼官》

 

【汉解】战争起始要使人不知开端，战争结束要使人不知末尾。起始不见开端好比“道”，结束不见末尾好比“德”。道是不可量度的，德是不可测算的。不可量度，所以敌军强大也无法图谋我军；不可测算，所以敌军伪诈也不敢对抗我军。两者兼而施之，无论动兵或息兵，都能取得有效的结果。

 

【英译】Begin in the limitless. End in the inexhaustible. Beginning in the limitless refers to the Way; ending in the inexhaustible refers to the Power. The Way cannot be measured; the Power cannot be calculated. Since the Way cannot be measured, neither the numerous nor strong can plot against the one who clearly perceives it. Since the Power cannot be calculated, neither the false nor deceitful will dare approach the one who comprehends it. When these two have been applied throughout, there will be achievement in both movement and rest.