The world is ruled by letting things take their course. It cannot be ruled by interfering.

Those who understand others are clever, those who understand themselves are wise.

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.

The reason why rivers and seas are able to be lords over a hundred mountain streams, is that they know how to keep below them. That is why they are able to reign over all the mountain streams.

No misfortune is worse than underestimating the enemy. Underestimating the enemy, I risk losing my treasure.

He who is contented is rich.

Yield and overcome; Bend and be straight; Empty and be full; Wear out and be new; Have little and gain; Have much and be confused. ...The ancients say, "Yield and overcome." Is that an empty saying? Be really whole, And all things will come to you.