The leader is best, When people are hardly aware of his existence, Not so good when people praise his government, Less good when people stand in fear, Worst, when people are contemptuous. Fail to honor people, and they will fail to honor you. But of a good leader, who speaks little, When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, The people say, 'We did it ourselves.'

All difficult things have their origin in that which is easy, and great things in that which is small.

Whatever is flexible and living will tend to grow; whatever is rigid and blocked will wither and die.

Conclusions are ignorance arrested on the path to less ignorance.

Use justice to rule a country. Use surprise to wage war. Use non-action to govern the world.

Who is there who can make muddy waters clear? But if allowed to remain still, it will gradually clear itself.

The skillful traveller leaves no traces of his wheels.