The world is a sacred vessel that cannot be changed. He who changes it will destroy it. He who seizes it will lose it.

What makes a kingdom great is its being like a down-flowing river,--the central point towards which all the smaller streams under Heaven converge; or like the female throughout the world, who by quiescence always overcomes the male. And quiescence is a form of humility.

Understanding others is knowledge, Understanding oneself is enlightenment; Conquering others is power, Conquering oneself is strength.

To know that you do not know is the best. To pretend to know when you do not know is a disease.

Who can rest until the moment of action?

Marriage is three parts love and seven parts forgiveness of sins.

Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline; simulated fear postulates courage; simulated weakness postulates strength.