To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.

Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy.

Truthful words are not beautiful; beautiful words are not truthful. Good words are not persuasive; persuasive words are not good.

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.

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.

Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline; simulated fear postulates courage; simulated weakness postulates strength.

When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.

Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart and the senses.

Life and death are one thread, the same line viewed from different sides.

Silence is a source of great strength.

Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish - too much handling will spoil it.

Great acts are made up of small deeds.

Because of a great love, one is courageous.

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.

Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.

He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty.

If you would take, you must first give, this is the beginning of intelligence.

Those who have knowledge, don't predict. Those who predict, don't have knowledge.

When the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves.'

A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.

Be the chief but never the lord.

A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.

He who does not trust enough, Will not be trusted.

I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.

Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

Nature is not human hearted.

One can not reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others.

The power of intuitive understanding will protect you from harm until the end of your days.

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.

From caring comes courage.

Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.