A great country needs more people to serve it. A small country needs more people to serve. So, if both shall get what they need, the great country ought to yield.

The sage does not hoard. The more he helps others, the more he benefits himself, The more he gives to others, the more he gets himself. The Way of Heaven does one good but never does one harm. The Way of the sage is to act but not to compete.

Fame or integrity: which is more important? Money or happiness: which is more valuable? Success or failure: which is more destructive? If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never truly be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.

Wary, as if surrounded by strangers.

When his (the good ruler's) task is accomplished and his work done, The people all say, "It happened to us naturally.

He who prides himself upon wealth and honor hastens his own downfall.

The Tao of the sage is work without effort.