When the Way governs the world, the proud stallions drag dung carriages. When the Way is lost to the world, war horses are bred outside the city.

Be content with an ordinary life.

Knowing others is to be clever. Knowing yourself is to be enlightened. Overcoming others requires force. Overcoming yourself requires strength.

When the uncarved wood is split, its parts are put to use. When the sage is put to use, he becomes the head.

A good manager is best when people barely know that he exists. Not so good when people obey and acclaim him. Worse when they despise him.

The value comes from what is there, but the use comes from what is not there.

Fine words are traded. Noble deeds gain respect. But people who are not good, why abandon them?