"Anticipate the difficult by managing the easy."

"Therefore the sage holds to the one and becomes a model for the world. He does not display himself; therefore he shines. He does not assert himself; therefore he is known. He does not boast; therefore…"

"When nothing is done, nothing is left undone."

"Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield. As a rule, whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard. This is a…"

"The world is a sacred vessel. It cannot be controlled. Those who try to control it will ruin it. Those who try to grasp it will lose it."