Govern a great nation as you would cook a small fish. Do not overdo it.

Greed for enlightenment and immortality is no different than greed for material wealth. It is self-centered and dualistic, and thus an obstacle to true attainment. Therefore these states are never achieved by those who covet them; rather, they are the reward of the virtuous.

Therefore, if a great kingdom humbles itself before a small kingdom, it shall make that small kingdom its prize. And if a small kingdom humbles itself before a great kingdom, it shall win over that great kingdom. Thus the one humbles itself in order to attain, the other attains because it is humble. If the great kingdom has no further desire than to bring men together and to nourish them, the small kingdom will have no further desire than to enter the service of the other. But in order that both may have their desire, the great one must learn humility.

Be empty. Be still. Just watch everything come and go. This is the way of Nature.

Cautious, like crossing a river in the winter.

He who gains a victory over other men is strong; but he who gains a victory over himself is all powerful.

There is no calamity greater than lightly engaging in war.