Of the best rulers, The people only know that they exist; the next best they love and praise the next they fear; and the next they revile. When they do not command the people's faith, some will lose faith in them, and then they resort to oaths! But of the best when their task is accomplished, their work done, the people all remark, We have done it ourselves.

What has no substance can penetrate what has no opening.

Why did the ancients praise the Way? Did they not say it was because you find what you seek and are saved from your wrongdoings?

All things carry yin and embrace yang. They reach harmony by blending with the vital breath.

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!

A sound man is good at salvage, at seeing nothing is lost

Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.