Nothing in the world is as soft and yielding as water. Yet for dissolving the hard and inflexible, nothing can surpass it. The soft overcomes the hard; the gentle overcomes the rigid. Everyone knows this is true, but few can put it into practice. Therefore the Master remains serene in the midst of sorrow. Evil cannot enter his heart. Because he has given up helping, he is people's greatest help. True words seem paradoxical.

Pursue without interfering.

Supreme good is like water. Water greatly benefits all things, without conflict. It flows through places that people loathe. Thereby it is close to the Way.

Throw away sacredness and wisdom and people will be one hundred times happier.

Because he (the Sage) demands no honor, he will never be dishonored.

In lightness the root is lost. In haste the ruler is lost.

The grandest virtue seems deficient.