The great Way is very straight, but people prefer to deviate.
A multitude of words is tiresome, unlike remaining centered.
Whatever is flexible and living will tend to grow; whatever is rigid and blocked will wither and die.
With that gentleness I can be bold; with that economy I can be liberal; shrinking from taking precedence of others, I can become a vessel of the highest honour.
First and last follow each other.
Those who praise themselves do not prevail.