The most difficult in the world must be easy in its beginning.

Without the tao, Kindness and compassion are replaced by law and justice; Faith and trust are supplanted by ritual and ceremony.

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

The highest virtue seems as low as a valley.

Great talents ripen late; the highest notes are hard to hear.

Fame or integrity: which is more important? Money or happiness: which is more valuable? Success or failure: which is more destructive? If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never truly be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.

Whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard. What is soft is strong.