He who has achieved this state Is unconcerned with friends and enemies, With good and harm, with honor and disgrace. This therefore is the highest state of man.

Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner.

Weapons are ominous tools. They are not the noble ruler's tools. He only uses them when he can't avoid it.

When a country is in harmony with the Tao, the factories make trucks and tractors. When a country goes counter to the Tao, warheads are stockpiled outside the cities. There is no greater illusion than fear, no greater wrong than preparing to defend yourself, no greater misfortune than having an enemy. Whoever can see through all fear will always be safe.

It's hard to keep your balance standing tip-toe.

Good Government is not intrusive the people are hardly aware of it; the next best is felt yet loved; then comes that which is known and feared; the worst government is hated.

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