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.

Force is followed by loss of strength. This is not the way of the Tao. That which goes against the Tao comes to an early end.

Success is as dangerous as failure. Hope is as hollow as fear.

For one gains by losing And loses by gaining.

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

Reputation should be neither sought nor avoided.