Humans are born soft and weak.

They die stiff and strong.

The ten thousand plants and trees

Are born soft and tender

And die withered and sere.

...

The stiff and strong

Are Death's companions

The soft and weak

Are Life's companions.

...

Therefore,

The strongest armies do not conquer,

The greatest trees are cut down.

The strong and great sink down.

The soft and weak rise up.