A terrace nine stories high begins with a pile of earth.

As soon as rules were made, names were given. There are already many names. One must know when it is enough.

Heaven and earth are ruthless, and treat the various creatures as straw dogs; the sage is ruthless, and treats others as straw dogs.

I have three precious things which I hold fast and prize. The first is gentleness; the second frugality; the third is humility, which keeps me from putting myself before others. Be gentle and you can be bold; be frugal and you can be liberal; avoid putting yourself before others and you can become a leader among men.

That so few understand me is why I am treasured.

We are all capable of much more than we think we are.

Pursue without interfering.