The virtuous carry out the settlement, but those without virtue pursue their claims.

It is as though he listened and such listening as his enfolds us in silence in which at last we begin to hear what we are meant to be.

Do nondoing, strive for non-stiving, savor the flavourless, make much of little, repay enmity with virture; plan for difficulty when it is still easy, do the great while it is still small.

Because of deep love, one is courageous. Because of frugality, one is generous. Because of not daring to be ahead of the world, one becomes the leader of the world.

Goodness in words creates trust, goodness in thinking creates depth, goodness in giving creates love.

Good leaders reach solutions, and then stop. They do not dare to rely on force.

The sage is sharp but does not cut, pointed but does not pierce, forthright but does not offend, bright but does not dazzle.