When the people of the world all know beauty as beauty, There arises the recognition of ugliness. When they all know the good as good, There arises the recognition of evil.

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

The highest virtue is not virtuous. Therefore it has virtue. The lowest virtue holds on to virtue. Therefore it has no virtue.

The supreme rulers are hardly known by their subjects. The lesser are loved and praised. The even lesser are feared. The least are despised.

He who knows himself is enlightened.

True power is stillness within motion.

Hold on to the center and make up your mind to rejoice in this paradise called life.