Man, when living, is soft and tender; when dead, he is hard and tough. All animals and plants when living are tender and delicate; when dead they become withered and dry. Therefore it is said: the hard and tough are parts of death; the soft and tender are parts of life.

The people starve because those above them eat too much tax-grain. That is the only reason why they starve.

Therefore the Sage embraces Unity, and is a model for all under Heaven. He is free from self-display, therefore he shines forth; from self-assertion, therefore he is distinguished; from self-glorification, therefore he has merit; from self-exaltation, therefore he rises superior to all. Inasmuch as he does not strive, there is no one in the world who can strive with him.

From now back to antiquity, its (Tao's) name has not been lost. Thereby, see the origin of all.

The Great Vessel takes long to complete.

A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.

Make the small big and the few many.