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.

The value of teaching without words and accomplishing without action is understood by few in the world.

Seal the openings, shut the doors, dull the sharpness, untie the knots, dim the light, become one with the dust. This is called the profound union.

The most powerful weapon known is the weapon of blessing. Therefore, a clever person relies on it. He wins with peace, not with war.

Fine words are traded. Noble deeds gain respect. But people who are not good, why abandon them?

Learn from the people. Plan with the people. Begin with what they have. Build on what they know.

Throw away profit and greed, and there won't be any thieves.