Arms are instruments of ill omen, not the instruments of the gentleman. When one is compelled to use them, it is best to do so without relish.

Going forward seems like retreat.

When the worst student hears about the Way, he laughs out loud. If he did not laugh, it would be unworthy of being the Way.

By letting go, it all gets done.

He (the sage) is good to those who are good. He is also good to those who are not good. That is the virtue of good.

The further one goes, the less (he realizes he) one knows.

Of the best rulers, The people only know that they exist; the next best they love and praise the next they fear; and the next they revile. When they do not command the people's faith, some will lose faith in them, and then they resort to oaths! But of the best when their task is accomplished, their work done, the people all remark, We have done it ourselves.