To conquer others is to have power, to conquer yourself is to know the way.

To bear the country's disgrace is to rule the shrines of soil and grain. To bear the country's misfortunes is to be the king of the world.

Reputation should be neither sought nor avoided.

Take [preventive] action before things happen. Establish order before disorder has begun.

The True Person benefits yet expects no reward, does the work and moves on. There is no desire to be considered better than others.

Knowing others is wisdom; Knowing the self is enlightenment; Mastering others requires force; Mastering the self needs strength.

Behave simply and hold on to purity.