The men who are great live with that which is substantial, they do not stay with that which is superficial; they abide with realities, they do not remain with what is showy. The one they discard, the other they hold.

Those who defeat others are strong, those who defeat themselves are mighty.

A great country is like the lower outlet of a river. It is the world's meeting ground, the world's female.

Being is born of not being.

The Way begets one; one begets two; two begets three; three begets the myriad creatures.

The eternal void is filled with infinite possibilities

People are difficult to govern because they have too much knowledge.