People are born soft and weak. They die hard and stiff.

The truly great ones rely on substance, and not on surface, hold on to the fruit, and not to the flower.

He who regards many things easy will find many difficulties. Therefore the sage regards things difficult, and consequently never has difficulties.

He who is great must make humility his base. He who is high must make lowliness his foundation. Thus, princes and kings in speaking of themselves use the terms "lonely," "friendless," "of small account." Is not this making humility their base?

When the sage stands above people, they are not oppressed. When he leads people, they are not obstructed. The world will exalt him and not grow tired of him.

Act without expectation.

All things in nature work silently. They come into being and possess nothing. They fulfill their function and make no claim. All things alike do their work, and then we see them subside. When they have reached their bloom, each returns to its origin. . . . This reversion is an eternal law. To know that law is wisdom.