Use justice to rule a country. Use surprise to wage war. Use non-action to govern the world.

Do nondoing, strive for nonstriving, savor the flavorless, regard the small as important, make much of little, repay enmity with virtue; plan for difficulty when it is still easy, do the great while it is still small. The most difficult things in the world must be done while they are easy; the greatest things in the world must be done while they are small.

To consider this desirable would be to delight in the slaughter of men; and he who delights in the slaughter of men cannot get his will in the kingdom.

Approach your own inner life with a loving quality that accepts who you are without trying to change who you are.

To be brave without compassion, generous without moderation, and rule without refraining from being first in the world, are certain deaths.

He who gains a victory over other men is strong; but he who gains a victory over himself is all powerful.

When cleverness emerges There is great hypocrisy.