We desire to understand the world by giving names to the things we see, but these things are only the effects of something subtle.

Thorn bushes grow where armies have camped.

The sage honors his part of the settlement, but does not exact his due from others.

To be learned, add something each day. To be enlightened drop something each day.

Weapons are instruments of fear; they are not a wise man's tools. He uses them only when he has no choice.

A skillful commander is not overbearing. A skillful fighter does not become angry. A skillful conqueror does not compete with people. One who is skillful in using men puts himself below them. This is called the strength to use men. This is called matching Heaven, The highest principle of old.

Let the country be small, and the inhabitants few.