He does not struggle with anyone - thus no one can vanquish him.

That, which others compress - will widen up and open. That, which others weaken - will strengthen. That, which others destroy - will blossom. Whoever wished to take something from the other, will inevitably loose his own.

Therefore the Sage, wishing to be above the people, must by his words put himself below them; wishing to be before the people, he must put himself behind them. In this way, though he has his place above them, the people do not feel his weight; though he has his place before them, they do not feel it as an injury. Therefore all mankind delight to exalt him, and weary of him not.

Governing a large country is like frying a small fish. You spoil it with too much poking.

When two opposing sides meet in battle, the one without an enemy will be victorious.

Knowing honor, but clinging to disgrace, you become the valley of the world.

The sage seeks freedom from desire. He does not collect precious things. He learns not to hold on to ideas. He brings men back to what they have lost.