Let the country be small, and the inhabitants few.

Better stop short than fill to the brim. Oversharpen the blade, and the edge will soon blunt. Amass a store of gold and jade, and no one can protect it.

To be learned, add something each day. To be enlightened drop something each day.

The Way is the source of all things, good people's treasure and bad people's refuge.

The world is a sacred vessel that cannot be changed. He who changes it will destroy it. He who seizes it will lose it.

Do not make them (people) weary at their work. If you do not make them weary, they will not be weary of you.

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.