A man is born gentle and weak. At death, he is hard and stiff. Green plants are tender and filled with sap. At death, they are withered and dry. Therefore, the stiff and unbending is the disciple of death, and the gentle and yielding is the disciple of life.
LaoziWhat people loathe the most is to be orphaned, desolate, unworthy. But this is what princes and kings call themselves.
LaoziBecause clarity and enlightenment are within your own nature, they are regained without moving an inch.
Laozi