If a great country yields to a small country, it will conquer the small country. If a small country yields to a great country, it will be conquered by the great country.

Simply see that you are at the center of the universe, and accept all things and beings as parts of your infinite body. When you perceive that an act done to another is done to yourself, you have understood the great truth.

The truly great ones rely on substance, and not on surface, hold on to the fruit, and not to the flower.

All things carry yin and embrace yang. They reach harmony by blending with the vital breath.

He who overcomes others has force; he who overcomes himself is strong.

When the Way is lost there is virtue. When virtue is lost there is benevolence. When benevolence is lost there is righteousness. When righteousness is lost there are rituals.

He who has achieved this state Is unconcerned with friends and enemies, With good and harm, with honor and disgrace. This therefore is the highest state of man.