Nothing in the world is more flexible and yielding than water. Yet when it attacks the firm and the strong, none can withstand it, because they have no way to change it. So the flexible overcome the adamant, the yielding overcome the forceful. Everyone knows this, but no one can do it.

All things of the world are born of being; being is born of nonbeing.

Things exalted then decay. This is going against the Way. What goes against the Way meets an early end.

If you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich.

Those who are quiet value the words. When their task is completed, people will say: We did it ourselves.

Heaven and Earth last for ever. Why do Heaven and Earth last for ever? They are unborn, so ever living. The sage stays behind, thus he is ahead. He is detached, thus at one with all. Through selfless action, he attains fulfillment.

With virtue and quietness one may conquer the world.