When equal armies battle, the grieving one will be victorious.
The one who rules like the mother lasts long.
The words of truth are always paradoxical.
A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.
The virtuous carry out the settlement, but those without virtue pursue their claims.
If the Great Way perishes there will morality and duty. When cleverness and knowledge arise great lies will flourish. When relatives fall out with one another there will be filial duty and love. When states are in confusion there will be faithful servants.