Those who have hardened, have a covenant with Death. Those who remain gentle are conjoined with Life.

He does not struggle with anyone - thus no one can vanquish him.

Therefore the Sage embraces Unity, and is a model for all under Heaven. He is free from self-display, therefore he shines forth; from self-assertion, therefore he is distinguished; from self-glorification, therefore he has merit; from self-exaltation, therefore he rises superior to all. Inasmuch as he does not strive, there is no one in the world who can strive with him.

The hard and stiff are death's companions. The soft and weak are life's companions.

Favor and disgrace are like fear. Favor is in a higher place, and disgrace in a lower place. When you win them you are like being in fear, and when you lose them you are also like being in fear. So favor and disgrace are like fear.

From What-is all the world of things was born But What-is sprang in turn from What-is-not.

An ant on the move does more than a dozing ox.