All things in nature work silently. They come into being and possess nothing. They fulfill their function and make no claim. All things alike do their work, and then we see them subside. When they have reached their bloom, each returns to its origin. . . . This reversion is an eternal law. To know that law is wisdom.

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

Reputation should be neither sought nor avoided.

The truly great ones rely on substance, and not on surface, hold on to the fruit, and not to the flower.

Whatever is flexible and living will tend to grow; whatever is rigid and blocked will wither and die.

Only those who leisurely approach that which the masses are busy about can be busy about that which the masses take leisurely.

One who is too insistent on his own views, finds few to agree with him.