Let muddy water stand and it will become clear.

Abandon benevolence, discard duty, and people will return to the family ties.

In the highest antiquity, the people did not know that there were rulers. In the next age they loved them and praised them. In the next they feared them; in the next they despised them.

He who knows much about others may be learned, but he who understands himself is more intelligent. He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.

When many people are killed, they should be mourned and lamented. Those who are victorious in war should follow the rites of funerals.

A good runner leaves no footprints.

Heaven's Way does not contend, yet it certainly triumphs. It does not speak, yet it certainly answers. It does not summon, yet things come by themselves. It seems to be at rest, yet it certainly has a plan.