In the highest antiquity, the people did not know that there were rulers. In the next age they loved them and praised them. In the next they feared them; in the next they despised them.

Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline; simulated fear postulates courage; simulated weakness postulates strength.

With virtue and quietness one may conquer the world.

The soft and weak can overcome the hard and strong.

Though (the Tao) is uncreated itself, it creates all things. Because it has no substance, it can enter into where there is no space. Exercising by returning to itself, winning victories by remaining gentle and yielding, it is softer than anything, and therefore overcomes everything hard.

Warriors say: I dare not be like the host, but would rather be like the guest. I dare not advance an inch, but would rather retreat a foot.

The sage is one with the world, and lives in harmony with it.