If princes and kings could follow it (Tao), all things would by themselves abide, Heaven and Earth would unite and sweet dew would fall. People would by themselves find harmony, without being commanded.

Keep behind, and you shall be put in front; keep out, and you shall be kept in.

What is strong and rigid is snapped and laid low. What is flexible and soft will always prevail.

Carrying body and soul and embracing the one, Can you avoid separation?

The highest virtue is not virtuous. Therefore it has virtue. The lowest virtue holds on to virtue. Therefore it has no virtue.

The best soldiers are not warlike; the best fighters do not lose their temper. The greatest conquerors are those who overcome their enemies without strife. The greatest directors of men are those who yield place to others. This is called the Virtue of not striving, the capacity for directing mankind; this is being the compeer of Heaven. It was the highest goal of the ancients.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.