Let your workings remain a mystery. Just show people the results.

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

Praise leads to weakness. Getting it causes fear, losing it causes fear.

All things in the world come from being. And being comes from non-being.

As restrictions and prohibitions are multiplied the people grow poorer and poorer. When they are subjected to overmuch government, the land is thrown into confusion.

When two opposing sides meet in battle, the one without an enemy will be victorious.

Because he (the Sage) opposes no one, no one in the world can oppose him.