There is no greater mistake than to make light of an enemy By making light of an enemy many a kingdom has been lost.

The master does his job and then stops. He understands that the universe is forever out of control, and that trying to dominate events goes against the current of the Tao.

Conquering others requires force. Conquering oneself requires strength

Man at his birth is supple and tender, but in death, he is rigid and hard. Thus, suppleness and tenderness accompany life, but rigidity and hardness accompany death.

He who tip-toes cannot stand; he who strides cannot walk.

In dwelling, be close to the land. In meditation, go deep in the heart. In dealing with others, be gentle and kind. In speech, be true. In ruling, be just. In daily life, be competent. In action, be aware of the time and the season.

People are hard to govern. The rulers interfere with too much. That is why people are hard to govern.