The perfect square lacks corners.

Goodie-goodies are the thieves of virtue.

In the world there is nothing more submissive and weak than water. Yet for attacking that which is hard and strong nothing can surpass it.

When the sage stands above people, they are not oppressed. When he leads people, they are not obstructed. The world will exalt him and not grow tired of him.

What should be shrunken must first be stretched.

Govern a great nation as you would cook a small fish. Do not overdo it.

Take [preventive] action before things happen. Establish order before disorder has begun.