A multitude of words is tiresome, unlike remaining centered.

Trying to understand is like straining through muddy water. Be still and allow the mud to settle.

The best people are like water, which benefits all things and does not compete with them. It stays in lowly places that others reject. This is why it is so similar to the Way.

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

He that humbles himself shall be preserved entire. He that bends shall be made straight. He that is empty shall be filled. He that is worn out shall be renewed. He who has little shall succeed. He who has much shall go astray.

Clay is moulded to make a vessel, but the utility of the vessel lies in the space where there is nothing. . . . Thus, taking advantage of what is, we recognize the utility of what is not.

Anticipate the difficult by managing the easy.