The things that have acquired unity are these: Heaven by unity has become clear; Earth by unity has become steady; The Spirit by unity has become spiritual; The Valley by unity has become full; All things by unity have come into existence.

The Sage expects no recognition for what he does; he achieves merit but does not take it to himself; he does not wish to display his worth.

The most difficult in the world must be easy in its beginning.

Therefore the Sage embraces Unity, and is a model for all under Heaven. He is free from self-display, therefore he shines forth; from self-assertion, therefore he is distinguished; from self-glorification, therefore he has merit; from self-exaltation, therefore he rises superior to all. Inasmuch as he does not strive, there is no one in the world who can strive with him.

The (method of) correction shall by a turn become distortion, and the good in it shall by a turn become evil.

If lightning is the anger of the gods, then the gods are concerned mostly about trees.

Those who boast are not respected.