Those who would take over the earth and shape it to their will, never, I notice succeed.

Softness triumphs over hardness, feebleness over strength. What is more malleable is always superior over that which is immoveable. This is the principle of controlling things by going along with them, of mastery through adaptation.

Truly, the greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self-transformation.

The truly wise are content to be last. They are, therefore, first. They are indifferent to themselves. They are, therefore self-confident.

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

Those who have compassion when they do battle will be victorious. Those who likewise defend themselves will be safe. Heaven will rescue and protect them with compassion.

Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish, too much handling will spoil it.