He who has little will receive. He who has much will be embarrassed.

Why is the sea king of a hundred streams? Because it lies below them... If the sage would guide the people, he must serve with humility. If he would lead them, he must follow behind. In this way when the sage rules, the people will not feel oppressed.

A journey of a thousand leagues begins beneath one's feet.

The highest virtue seems as low as a valley.

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

The Wise Man is square but not sharp, honest but not not malign, straight but not severe, bright but not dazzling.

The master accomplishes more and more by doing less and less until finally he accomplishes everything by doing nothing.