Do not conquer the world with force, for force only causes resistance. Thorns spring up when an army passes. Years of misery follow a great victory. Do only what needs to be done without using violence.

The Way is ever nameless.

The Tao is like a well; used but never used up.

If lightning is the anger of the gods, then the gods are concerned mostly about trees.

People are difficult to rule, because of their knowledge.

Truthful words are not beautiful; beautiful words are not truthful. Good words are not persuasive; persuasive words are not good.

By not claiming to be first in the world one can rule.