Failure is the foundation of success: success is the lurking place of failure.

Standing on "tip toe", one stands not firmly. Straining in stride, one cannot walk far. Flaunting of deeds, one is unfavorably noticed. Being self-righteous, one is not respected. Boasting of self, one's merit is unrecognized. Glorifying of self, one loses the opportunity for greatness. From the viewpoint of Tao These represent imperfect Te, Valued as are filth or disease.

Be content with an ordinary life.

I am good to people who are good. I am also good to people who are not good. Because Virtue is goodness.

Lay plans for the accomplishment of the difficult before it becomes difficult; make something big by starting with it when small.

The man of knowledge acquires something new everyday, and the man of Tao lets go of something new every day.

On the one hand, loss implies gain; on the other hand, gain implies loss.