Supreme good is like water. Water greatly benefits all things, without conflict. It flows through places that people loathe. Thereby it is close to the Way.

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

He who controls the past controls the future.

Do nondoing, strive for non-stiving, savor the flavourless, make much of little, repay enmity with virture; plan for difficulty when it is still easy, do the great while it is still small.

What is firmly rooted cannot be pulled out

In the Golden Age, Rulers were unknown. In the following age Rulers were loved and praised. Next came the age When rulers were feared. Finally the age When rulers are hated.

If you practice inaction, nothing will be left undone: For the way to acquire lordship over society is by invariably not interfering.