Treat the large as the small and the few as the many.

When the Way governs the world, the proud stallions drag dung carriages. When the Way is lost to the world, war horses are bred outside the city.

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

If the sage wants to stand above people, he must speak to them from below. If he wants to lead people, he must follow them from behind.

That which is achieved the most, still has the whole of its future yet to be achieved.

Although he travels all day, the sage never loses sight of his luggage carts.

For all things difficult to acquire, the intelligent man works with perseverance.