If Heaven were not clear it might rend. If Earth were not firm it might crumble.

A skillful commander is not overbearing. A skillful fighter does not become angry. A skillful conqueror does not compete with people. One who is skillful in using men puts himself below them. This is called the strength to use men. This is called matching Heaven, The highest principle of old.

When wisdom and knowledge appear, great pretense arises.

Cautious, like crossing a river in the winter.

Clay is fashioned into vessels; it is on their empty hollowness that their use depends. Doors and windows are cut out to make a dwelling, and on the empty space within, its use depends. Thus, while the existence of things may be good, it is the non-existence in them that makes them serviceable.

Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish, too much handling will spoil it.

Those who are quiet value the words. When their task is completed, people will say: We did it ourselves.