People who have to fight for their living and are not afraid to die for it are higher persons than those who, stationed high, are too fat to dare to die.

Intelligent people know others. Enlightened people know themselves.

Those who of old were good practicers of Tao did not use it to make people bright, but rather used it to make them simple.

A violent wind does not outlast the morning; a squall of rain does not outlast the day. Such is the course of Nature. And if Nature herself cannot sustain her efforts long, how much less can man!

Praise of power leads to weakness; Love of things leads to loss; The wise one leads by filling people's hearts; He destroys illusion and disturbs those who believe they are wise; He does nothing yet everything happens.

Learn from the people. Plan with the people. Begin with what they have. Build on what they know.

Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires.