It is better not to make merit a matter of reward Lest people conspire and contend.
For all things difficult to acquire, the intelligent man works with perseverance.
The sage knows himself, but does not parade. He cherishes himself, but does not praise himself.
Let the country be small, and the inhabitants few.
Tao loves and nourishes all things, but does not dominate it over them.
The best soldier does not attack. The superior fighter succeeds without violence. The greatest conqueror wins without struggle. The most successful manager leads without dictating. This is intelligent non aggressiveness.