Weapons are not proper instruments for gentle people; they use them only when they have no other choice. Peace and quiet are what they value. They do not glory in victory.

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

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 men who are great live with that which is substantial, they do not stay with that which is superficial; they abide with realities, they do not remain with what is showy. The one they discard, the other they hold.

When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.

The Tao of the sage is work without effort.

The Master doesn't seek fulfillment. For only those who are not full are able to be used which brings the feeling of completeness.