I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.

But in the present day men cast off gentleness, and are all for being bold; they spurn frugality, and retain only extravagance; they discard humility, and aim only at being first. Therefore they shall surely perish.

Its name-what passes not away.

Taking things lightly must lead to big difficulties.

Those who praise victory relish manslaughter. Those who relish manslaughter cannot reach their goals in the world.

The Way of Tao is this: It strives not, but conquers; It speaks not, but all is made clear; It summons not, but its house is crowded; It contrives not, but the design is perfect.

He who regards the world as he does the fortune of his own body can govern the world. He who loves the world as he does his own body can be entrusted with the world.