Do nondoing, strive for nonstriving, savor the flavorless, regard the small as important, make much of little, repay enmity with virtue; plan for difficulty when it is still easy, do the great while it is still small. The most difficult things in the world must be done while they are easy; the greatest things in the world must be done while they are small.

He who treasures his body as much as the world can care for the world.

The wise leader settles for good work and then lets others have the floor.

The things that have acquired unity are these: Heaven by unity has become clear; Earth by unity has become steady; The Spirit by unity has become spiritual; The Valley by unity has become full; All things by unity have come into existence.

In the world there are four greats, and the king is one of them.

Appetite for food and sex is nature.

For one gains by losing And loses by gaining.