The Way begets one; one begets two; two begets three; three begets the myriad creatures.

I have three treasures which I hold and keep. The first is mercy; the second is economy. The third is daring not to be ahead of others. From mercy comes courage; from economy comes generosity; From humility comes leadership.

To understand the limitation of things, desire them.

I do not concern myself with gods and spirits either good or evil nor do I serve any.

The good man is the teacher of the bad, And the bad is the material from which the good may learn. He who does not value the teacher, Or greatly care for the material, Is greatly deluded although he may be learned. Such is the essential mystery.

If you correct your mind the rest of your life will fall into place.

There is no calamity greater than lightly engaging in war.