There is nothing in the world more soft and weak than water, and yet for attacking things that are firm and strong there is nothing that can take precedence of it;—for there is nothing (so effectual) for which it can be changed.

The truth is not always beautiful, nor beautiful words the truth.

Wasting energy to obtain rare objects only impedes one's growth.

Silence is a source of great strength.

Respond intelligently even to unintelligent treatment.

Life must be poetry, a song, a dance, like a flower on the roadside, blossoming for no one in particular, but spreading its fragrance in the wind, and sending it anywhere.

Scholars of the highest class, when they hear about the Tao, earnestly carry it into practice. Scholars of the middle class, when they have heard about it, seem now to keep it and now to lose it. Scholars of the lowest class, when they have heard about it, laugh greatly at it. If it were not (thus) laughed at, it would not be fit to be the Tao.

The skilful traveller leaves no traces of his wheels or footsteps.

He will strike the blow, but will be on his guard against being vain or boastful or arrogant in consequence of it.

Pursue that which is not meddlesome.