36 Proofs for Peace

The 36 Stratagems, a collection of Chinese proverbs detailing tactics for warfare and strategy, can be reimagined to promote peace rather than conflict. Here's an attempt to translate each stratagem into an opposite, peace-oriented version:

1. Cross the Sea, 

Openly Build Bridges of Understanding

Instead of deceiving to cross boundaries, openly work to connect with others through honest and clear communication.

2. Support Wei to Strengthen Zhao, 

Rather than attacking one to aid another, support both parties to foster mutual growth and stability.

3. Heal with a Shared Tool

Instead of using others to do your dirty work, collaborate with others to mend and heal.

4. Work Together in Harmony

Rather than exploiting the enemy's exhaustion, work together with patience and cooperation for mutual benefit.

5. Extinguish Fires Together

Instead of capitalizing on others' misfortune, work together to help rebuild and recover.

6. Promote Peace Everywhere

Instead of diversionary tactics, spread peace and understanding in all directions.

7. Value What Exists

Instead of deception, appreciate and utilize the resources and relationships at hand.

8. Transparently Build Paths to All

Instead of secret maneuvers, build connections openly and inclusively.

9. Cross the River to Offer Aid

Instead of watching others in trouble, actively provide help across divides.

10. Offer a Genuine Smile

Instead of deceit, offer sincerity and true warmth.

11. Nurture Both Plum and Peach

Rather than sacrificing one to save another, cultivate an environment where all can thrive.

12. Return the Goat to Its Herd

Instead of stealing, return what's not yours to its rightful place.

13. Tend the Grass to Soothe the Snake

Instead of provocation, promote calm and safety.

14. To Raise the Spirit, Celebrate Life in Every Moment

Instead of using the dead, honor life and vitality.

15. Let the Tiger Roam Free in Peace

Instead of manipulation, allow freedom and respect natural boundaries.

16. Forgive to Build Lasting Peace

Instead of temporary reprieves, embrace forgiveness for enduring harmony.

17. Share Your Jade to Enrich Others

Instead of small sacrifices for larger gains, share your best freely.

18. To Lead by Example for Peace

Instead of targeting leaders, be a leader in fostering peace.

19. Strengthen the Foundations

Instead of weakening structures, reinforce and support them.

20. Keep the Fire Warm and Welcoming

Instead of sabotage, maintain warmth and sustenance for all.

21. Live Authentically

Instead of evasion, live true to oneself.

22. Open Doors for Dialogue

Instead of entrapment, foster open communication.

23. Be Friend to All, Near and Far

Instead of strategic alliances, be genuinely friendly with everyone.

24. Build Bridges for Mutual Growth

Instead of using routes for attack, use them for mutual benefit.

25. Strengthen with Solid Foundations

Instead of weakening, reinforce with integrity.

26. Praise the Mulberry and Locust Alike

Instead of indirect critique, appreciate all.

27. Embrace Sanity and Harmony

Instead of deception, maintain clear, balanced interactions.

28. Build Stairs for Everyone

Instead of trapping, provide pathways for growth.

29. Nurture True Blossoms

Instead of artifice, cultivate genuine beauty and growth.

30. Be Both Guest and Host in Unity

Instead of switching roles for advantage, share in all capacities.

31. Cultivate Inner Beauty

Instead of using charm for manipulation, let beauty inspire peace.

32. Build a Fortress of Trust

Instead of bluffing emptiness, establish trust through transparency.

33. Share Knowledge Openly

Instead of counter-intelligence, promote transparency and shared wisdom.

34. Heal Yourself to Inspire Trust

Instead of self-harm for strategic gain, heal to demonstrate sincerity.

35. The Unity Stratagem

Instead of linking tactics for defeat, link actions for collective strength.

36. If All Else Fails, Reflect and Rebuild

Instead of retreat, engage in reflection and constructive rebuilding.

These peace-oriented interpretations aim to shift the focus from conflict to cooperation, from deceit to sincerity, and from division to unity.

-Winquind-