In this world, there is nothing softer or thinner than water. But to compel the hard and unyielding, it has no equal. That the weak overcomes the strong, that the hard gives way to the gentle - this everyone knows. Yet no one asks accordingly.

ALL things in Nature work silently. They come into being and possess nothing. They fulfil their functions and make no claim.

Some help others in order to receive blessings and admiration. This is simply meaningless. Some cultivate themselves in part to serve others, in part to serve their own pride. They will understand, at best, half of the truth. But those who improve themselves for the sake of the world - to these, the whole truth of the universe will be revealed.

There was something that finished chaos, born before Heaven and Earth.

There is no calamity greater than lavish desires. There is no greater guilt than discontent. And there is no greater disaster than greed.

The sage is sharp but does not cut, pointed but does not pierce, forthright but does not offend, bright but does not dazzle.

Racing and hunting excite man's heart to madness.