People starve. The rulers consume too much with their taxes. That is why people starve.

The mark of a moderate man is freedom from his own ideas. Tolerant like the sky, all-pervading like sunlight, firm like a mountain, supple like a tree in the wind, he has no destination in view and makes use of anything life happens to bring his way.

He who knows others is clever; He who knows himself has discernment.

Arms are instruments of ill omen.... When one is compelled to use them, it is best to do so without relish. There is no glory in victory, and to glorify it despite this is to exult in the killing of men.... When great numbers of people are killed, one should weep over them with sorrow. When victorious in war, one should observe mourning rites.

Those who have knowledge, don't predict. Those who predict, don't have knowledge.

Those who have the courage to dare will perish. Those who have the courage not to dare will live.

The wise cares about everyone, and he becomes an example to all.