The softest in the world surpasses the hardest in the world.

Those who seek knowledge, collect something every day. Those who seek the Way, let go of something every day.

The people starve because those above them eat too much tax-grain. That is the only reason why they starve.

The truly great man dwells on what is real and not what is on the surface.

He who is able to conquer others is powerful; he who is able to conquer himself is more powerful.

Excellent leaders of people lower themselves.

When the people of the world all know beauty as beauty, There arises the recognition of ugliness. When they all know the good as good, There arises the recognition of evil.