The sage is sharp but does not cut, pointed but does not pierce, forthright but does not offend, bright but does not dazzle.

The more sharp weapons people have in a country, the bigger the disorder will be.

The True Person avoids extremes, self-indulgence, and extravagance.

Who has excess and supplies the world? Only the one who follows the Way.

Does one scent appeal more than another? Do you prefer this flavor, or that feeling? Is your practice sacred and your work profane? Then your mind is separated: from itself, from oneness, from the Tao.

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.

He who controls the past controls the future.