The sage acts without taking credit. He accomplishes without dwelling on it. He does not want to display his worth.

The sage acts without taking credit. He accomplishes without dwelling on it. He does not want to display his worth.

Things flourish, then each returns to its root. Returning to the root is called stillness: Stillness is called return to life, return to life is called the constant; knowing the constant is called enlightenment.

Softness triumphs over hardness, feebleness over strength. What is more malleable is always superior over that which is immoveable. This is the principle of controlling things by going along with them, of mastery through adaptation.

The flame that burns Twice as bright burns half as long.

If you wish to be out front, then act as if you were behind.

By not claiming to be first in the world one can rule.