He who treasures his body as much as the world can care for the world.
Good leaders reach solutions, and then stop. They do not dare to rely on force.
If princes and kings were not exalted they might be overthrown.
What people loathe the most is to be orphaned, desolate, unworthy. But this is what princes and kings call themselves.
The one who rules like the mother lasts long.
When the world is ruled according to the Way, the ghosts lose their power. The ghosts do not really lose their power, but it is not used to harm people.
When the emperor is crowned or the three dukes are appointed, rather than sending a gift of jade carried by four horses, remain still and offer the Way.
When the sage stands above people, they are not oppressed. When he leads people, they are not obstructed. The world will exalt him and not grow tired of him.
By not claiming to be first in the world one can rule.
Excellent leaders of people lower themselves.
To bear the country’s disgrace is to rule the shrines of soil and grain. To bear the country’s misfortunes is to be the king of the world.
The supreme rulers are hardly known by their subjects. The lesser are loved and praised. The even lesser are feared. The least are despised.
In lightness the root is lost. In haste the ruler is lost.
As soon as rules were made, names were given. There are already many names. One must know when it is enough.
The more sharp weapons people have in a country, the bigger the disorder will be.
When the government is quite unobtrusive, people are indeed pure. When the government is quite prying, people are indeed conniving.
If a great country yields to a small country, it will conquer the small country. If a small country yields to a great country, it will be conquered by the great country.
A great country needs more people to serve it. A small country needs more people to serve. So, if both shall get what they need, the great country ought to yield.
To rule by knowledge ravages the country.
To be brave without compassion, generous without moderation, and rule without refraining from being first in the world, are certain deaths.