That which shrinks must first expand.

That the soft overcomes the hard, and the yielding overcomes the resistant, is a fact known by all, but practiced by few.

Always without desire we must be found, If its deep mystery we would sound; But if desire always within us be, Its outer fringe is all that we shall see.

Take care of what is difficult while it is still easy, and deal with what will become big while it is yet small.

Therefore: In dwelling, choose modest quarters, in thinking, value stillness, in dealing with others, be kind, in choosing words, be sincere, in leading, be just, in working, be competent, in acting, choose the correct timing. Follow these words and there will be no error.

Cultivate virtue in yourself, and it will be true.

The real art of governing consists, so far as possible, in doing nothing.