He who is able to conquer others is powerful; he who is able to conquer himself is more powerful.

All men desire to free themselves solely from death; they do not know how to free themselves from life.

If you worry more for others' beliefs, then you will be their slave.

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

When the highest type of people hear Tao (Truth), they diligently practice it. When the average type of people hear Tao, they half believe in it. When the lowest type of people hear Tao, they laugh at it. If they did not laugh, it would not be Tao.

Intellectual knowledge exists in and of the brain. Because the brain is part of the body, which must one day expire, this collection of facts, however large and impressive, will expire as well. {But spiritual insight transcends death.}

Governing a large state is like boiling a small fish.