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

Praise leads to weakness. Getting it causes fear, losing it causes fear.

The moment truth is asserted, it becomes false.

The sage never strives for greatness, and can therefore accomplish greatness.

The Master's power is like this. He lets all things come and go effortlessly, without desire. He never expects results; thus he is never disappointed. He is never disappointed; thus his spirit never grows old.

There is no greater mistake than to make light of an enemy By making light of an enemy many a kingdom has been lost.

The living are soft and yielding; the dead are rigid and stiff. Living plants are flexible and tender; the dead are brittle and dry.