Be humble and you will remain entire. The sages do not display themselves, therefore they shine. They do not approve themselves, therefore they are noted. They do not praise themselves, therefore they have merit. They do not glory in themselves, therefore they excel.

The one who does not honor the teacher and the one who does not honor the task, although ever so knowledgeable, they are confused.

Geese are white, crows are black. No argument will change this.

When the effective leader is finished with his work, the people say it happened naturally.

Nothing in the world is as soft and yielding as water. Yet for dissolving the hard and inflexible, nothing can surpass it. The soft overcomes the hard; the gentle overcomes the rigid. Everyone knows this is true, but few can put it into practice. Therefore the Master remains serene in the midst of sorrow. Evil cannot enter his heart. Because he has given up helping, he is people's greatest help. True words seem paradoxical.

All action begins in rest... This is the ultimate truth.

The sage governs by emptying senses and filling bellies.