All streams flow to the sea because it is lower than they are. Humility gives it its power. If you want to govern the people, you must place yourself below them. If you want to lead the people, you must learn how to follow them. The Master is above the people, and no one feels oppressed. She goes ahead of the people, and no one feels manipulated. The whole world is grateful to her. Because she competes with no one, no one can compete with her.

If people are not afraid of dying, why threaten them with death?

Although he travels all day, the sage never loses sight of his luggage carts.

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

Under heaven all can see beauty as beauty only because there is ugliness. All can know good as good only because there is evil. Therefore having and not having arise together. Difficult and easy complement each other. Long and short contrast each other. High and low rest upon each other. Voice and sound harmonize each other. Front and back follow one another.

He who prides himself upon wealth and honor hastens his own downfall.

Can you love or guide someone without any kind of expectation?