He who acts, spoils; he who grasps, lets slip.
Water is the softest thing, yet it can penetrate mountains and earth. This shows clearly the principle of softness overcoming hardness.
De wijze heeft geen onwrikbare beginselen. Hij past zich aan anderen aan. (Free translation into English: The wise man has no firm principles. He adapts to others.)
When virtue is lost, benevolence appears, when benevolence is lost right conduct appears, when right conduct is lost, expedience appears. Expediency is the mere shadow of right and truth; it is the beginning of disorder.
The words of truth are always paradoxical.
If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.
If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve.
People in their handlings of affairs often fail when they are about to succeed. If one remains as careful at the end as he was at the beginning, there will be no failure.
In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present.
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline; simulated fear postulates courage; simulated weakness postulates strength.
Truthful words are not beautiful; beautiful words are not truthful. Good words are not persuasive; persuasive words are not good.
Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish - too much handling will spoil it.
Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy.
Life and death are one thread, the same line viewed from different sides.
Silence is a source of great strength.
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 ser...
Great acts are made up of small deeds.
Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.
All difficult things have their origin in that which is easy, and great things in that which is small.
Because of a great love, one is courageous.
