Understanding others is knowledge, Understanding oneself is enlightenment; Conquering others is power, Conquering oneself is strength.

The people starve because those above them eat too much tax-grain. That is the only reason why they starve.

It is better not to make merit a matter of reward Lest people conspire and contend.

Weapons are instruments of fear; they are not a wise man's tools. He uses them only when he has no choice.

There is one appointed supreme executioner. Truly, trying to take the place of the supreme executioner is like trying to carve wood like a master carpenter. Of those who try to carve wood like a master carpenter, there are few who do not injure their hands.

Behave simply and hold on to purity.

What is and what is not create each other.