Those who have compassion when they do battle will be victorious. Those who likewise defend themselves will be safe. Heaven will rescue and protect them with compassion.
Mold clay into a bowl. The empty space makes it useful.
The scholar gains every day; the man of Tao loses every day.
What is strong and rigid is snapped and laid low. What is flexible and soft will always prevail.
That which shrinks must first expand.
There is one appointed supreme executioner. Truly, trying to take the place of the supreme executioner is like trying to carve wood like a master carpenter. Of those who try to carve wood like a master carpenter, there are few who do not injure their hands.