chapter 79: On Getting Paid

In resolving a lawsuit,
there will always be some ill-will remaining;
how can this be good for business?

Therefore, the Consultant
keeps careful track of his accounts receivable,
but is not a stickler for immediate payment.
The virtuous keep scrupulous accounts;
the virtueless engage in indiscriminate enforcement.

The Way of Heaven is impartial:
the client will always need a good consultant again.

 

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chapter notes:

Like chapter 26, this mistranslation practically leaped off the page. Aside from the punchline, this is an otherwise reasonably literal translation.