The river and the sea can be kings of a hundred valleys, because they lie below them.
Accomplish but do not boast, accomplish without show, accomplish without arrogance, accomplish without grabbing, accomplish without forcing.
I do not act, and people become reformed by themselves.
The highest virtue is not virtuous. Therefore it has virtue. The lowest virtue holds on to virtue. Therefore it has no virtue.
Those who know when to halt are unharmed.
When many people are killed, they should be mourned and lamented. Those who are victorious in war should follow the rites of funerals.