【原文】成功之道，嬴缩为宝。毋亡天极，究数而止。事若未成，毋改其形，毋失其始，静民观时，待令而起。《势》

【汉解】 成功之道，贵在能伸能屈。不可忘天的准则，尽天数就应停止。举事如果不成，既不必改变常态，也无须毁弃最初的基础，休息民力，观测时机，待天命起事就是了。

【英译】Of the way to achieve success, expanding and contracting in accordance with the yin and the yang is the most precious. Never forget Heaven’s standards of excellence, examine thoroughly its grand scheme, and stop there. As long as undertakings remain unfinished, never alter their form nor lose sight of their beginnings. Quiet your people, pay attention to the seasons, await their commands, and then take action.