Arms are instruments of ill omen.... When one is compelled to use them, it is best to do so without relish. There is no glory in victory, and to glorify it despite this is to exult in the killing of men.... When great numbers of people are killed, one should weep over them with sorrow. When victorious in war, one should observe mourning rites.

He who treasures his body as much as the world can care for the world.

There is no calamity greater than lavish desires. There is no greater guilt than discontent. And there is no greater disaster than greed.

Marriage is three parts love and seven parts forgiveness of sins.

I let go of all desire for the common good, and the good becomes as common as the grass.

The small is easy to scatter.

The ruler attains wholeness in the correct governance of the people.