The noble must make humility his root.

. . . learn to value what is important today in the subtle realm rather than what appears desirable tomorrow in the worldly realm.

A skillful commander is not overbearing. A skillful fighter does not become angry. A skillful conqueror does not compete with people. One who is skillful in using men puts himself below them. This is called the strength to use men. This is called matching Heaven, The highest principle of old.

Deal with it before it happens. Set things in order before there is confusion.

The first practice is the practice of undiscriminating virtue: take care of those who are deserving; also, and equally, take care of those who are not. When you extend your virtue in all directions without discriminating, you feet are firmly planted on the path that returns to the Tao.

Take [preventive] action before things happen. Establish order before disorder has begun.

How could man rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men?