On the one hand, loss implies gain; on the other hand, gain implies loss.

The river and the sea can be kings of a hundred valleys, because they lie below them.

In the highest antiquity, the people did not know that there were rulers. In the next age they loved them and praised them. In the next they feared them; in the next they despised them.

There is no greater disaster than discontent.

Under heaven all can see beauty as beauty only because there is ugliness. All can know good as good only because there is evil. Therefore having and not having arise together. Difficult and easy complement each other. Long and short contrast each other. High and low rest upon each other. Voice and sound harmonize each other. Front and back follow one another.

Weapons are ominous tools. They are abhorred by all creatures. Anyone who follows the Way shuns them.

Wary, as if surrounded by strangers.