In the highest antiquity, the people did not know that there were rulers. In the next age they loved them and praised them. In the next they feared them; in the next they despised them.
LaoziThere is no greater mistake than to make light of an enemy By making light of an enemy many a kingdom has been lost.
LaoziWhat is strong and rigid is snapped and laid low. What is flexible and soft will always prevail.
Laozi