He who walks on tip-toe does not walk on solid ground.

I have three treasures that I cherish. The first is compassion. The second is moderation. The third is not claiming to be first in the world.

The supreme good is like water, which nourishes all things without trying to. It is content with the low places that people disdain. Thus it is like the Tao. In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present. When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.

If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you aren't afraid of dying, there is nothing you can't achieve. Trying to control the future is like trying to take the master carpenter's place. When you handle the master carpenter's tools, chances are that you'll cut your hand.

The truly great ones rely on substance, and not on surface, hold on to the fruit, and not to the flower.

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

Violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself.