My words are easy to understand And easy to practice. Yet nobody understands them or practices them. My words have an origin; My actions have a principle. It is only because of your not understanding this That you do not understand me. Since there are few who understand me I am valued. Therefore the sage [...]
Strategists have a saying: I prefer to be able to move, rather than be in a fixed position I prefer t retreat a foot rather than advancing an inch. This is called progress without advancing; Preparing without showing off; Smashing where there is no defense; Taking him without a fight. There is no greater danger [...]
The best warrior is never aggressive. The best fighter is never angry. The best tactician does not engage the enemy. The best utilizer of people’s talents places himself below them. This is called the virtue of non-contention. It is called the ability to engage people’s talents. It is called the ultimate in merging with Heaven.
The reason everybody calls my Tao great Is because there is nothing quite like it. It is exactly because it is great That there is nothing quite like it. If there were something that were consistently like it How could it be small? I have three treasures that I hold and cherish. The first is [...]
The reason the river and sea can be regarded as The rulers of all the valley streams Is because of their being below them. Therefore they can be their rulers. So uf you want to be over people You must speak humbly to them. If you want to lead them You must place yourself behind [...]
The ancients who were skillful at the Tao Did not illuminate the people But rather kept them simple. When the people are difficult to rule It is because of their cleverness. Therefore If you use cleverness to rule the state You are a robber of the state. If you don’t use cleverness to rule the [...]
