The sturdiest virtue seems fragile.

The separate parts make no carriage.

All men desire to free themselves solely from death; they do not know how to free themselves from life.

The reason why rivers and seas are able to be lords over a hundred mountain streams, is that they know how to keep below them. That is why they are able to reign over all the mountain streams.

The highest benevolence acts without purpose.

Surrender your self-interest. Love others as much as you love yourself. Then you can be entrusted with all things under heaven.

The wise man doesn't compete; therefore nobody can compete with him.