Returning to the source is stillness, which is the way of nature. The way of nature is unchanging. Knowing constancy is insight.

If a great country yields to a small country, it will conquer the small country. If a small country yields to a great country, it will be conquered by the great country.

When the worst student hears about the Way, he laughs out loud. If he did not laugh, it would be unworthy of being the Way.

He who knows, knows not. He who knows not, knows.

Arms are instruments of ill omen.... When one is compelled to use them, it is best to do so without relish. There is no glory in victory, and to glorify it despite this is to exult in the killing of men.... When great numbers of people are killed, one should weep over them with sorrow. When victorious in war, one should observe mourning rites.

Those who seek knowledge, collect something every day. Those who seek the Way, let go of something every day.

The sage acts without taking credit. He accomplishes without dwelling on it. He does not want to display his worth.