As it acts in the world, the Tao is like the bending of a bow. The top is bent downward; the bottom is bent up. It adjusts excess and deficiency so that there is perfect balance.

To conquer others is to have power, to conquer yourself is to know the way.

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

The more clever and cunning people are, the stranger the events will be.

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.

Mask your brightness. Be at one with the dust of the earth. This is primal union.

To be of few words is natural.