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.

He who knows others is clever; He who knows himself has discernment.

The power of intuitive understanding will protect you from harm until the end of your days.

The one who does not stray away from her/his nature will live long.

Ever desireless, one can see the mystery. Ever desiring, one can see the manifestations. These two spring from the same source but differ in name; this appears as darkness. Darkness within darkness. The gate to all mystery.

The great Tao flows everywhere. All things are born from it, yet it doesn't create them. It pours itself into its work, yet it makes no claim. It nourishes infinite worlds, yet it doesn't hold on to them. Since it is merged with all things and hidden in their hearts, it can be called humble. Since all things vanish into it and it alone endures, it can be called great. It isn't aware of its greatness; thus it is truly great.

Distortion upon distortion: . . . the more one uses the mind, the more confused one becomes.