Those who follow the Tao are of clear mind. They do not load their mind with anxieties and are flexible in their adjustment to external conditions.

The perfect man of old looked after himself first before looking to help others.

As regards the quietude of the sage, he is not quiet because quietness is said to be good. He is quiet because the multitude of things cannot disturb his quietude. When water is still, one's beard and eyelashes are reflected in it. A skilled carpenter uses it in a level to obtain a measurement. If still water is so clear, how much more are the mental faculties! The mind of the sage is the mirror of heaven and earth in which all things are reflected.

If you have grasped the purpose of life there is no point in trying to make life into something it is not or cannot be.

To be truly ignorant, be content with your own knowledge.

Sound intelligence promises victory in every battle.

Words exist because of meaning; once you’ve gotten the meaning, you can forget the words.