He who knows himself is enlightened.

Gentleness brings victory to him who attacks, and safety to him who defends. Those whom Heaven would save, it fences round with gentleness.

When people do not dread authorities, then a greater dread descends.

If people live in constant fear of death, and if breaking the law is punished by death, then who would dare?

If you can let go of (the Tao) with your mind and surround it with your heart, it will live inside you forever.

Take time to listen to what is said without words, to obey the law too subtle to be written, to worship the unnameable and to embrace the unformed.

Good Government is not intrusive the people are hardly aware of it; the next best is felt yet loved; then comes that which is known and feared; the worst government is hated.