He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough. |
He who obtains has little. He who scatters has much. |
He who possess virtue in abundance may be compared to an infant |
He who talks more is sooner exhausted |
Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy. |
Heaven and earth are ruthless and treat the myriad creatures as straw dogs. |
How could man rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men? |
I do not concern myself with gods and spirits either good or evil nor do I serve any |
I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. |
I have three precious things which I hold fast and prize. The first is gentleness; the second is 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. |
If the Great Way perishes there will morality and duty. When cleverness and knowledge arise great lies will flourish. When relatives fall out with one another there will be filial duty and love. When states are in confusion there will be faithful servants. |
If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading. |
If you would take, you must first give, this is the beginning of intelligence. |
In the world there is nothing more submissive and weak than water. Yet for attacking that which is hard and strong nothing can surpass it. |
It is the Vague and Elusive. Meet it and you will not see its head. Follow it and you will not see its back. |