Sincere words are not fine; fine words are not sincere. Those who are skilled (in the Tao) do not dispute (about it); the disputatious are not skilled in it. Those who know (the Tao) are not extensively learned; the extensively learned do not know it.

Only by working within the laws that govern the flow of water will happiness be achieved.

Empty your mind of all thoughts.

The real art of governing consists, so far as possible, in doing nothing.

By compassion one can be brave.

Thorn bushes grow where armies have camped.

There is one appointed supreme executioner. Truly, trying to take the place of the supreme executioner is like trying to carve wood like a master carpenter. Of those who try to carve wood like a master carpenter, there are few who do not injure their hands.