When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. When I let go of what I have, I receive what I need.

The soft overcomes the hard; the gentle overcomes the rigid. Everyone knows this is true, but few can put it into practice.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

Do you have the patience to wait until your mud settles and the water is clear? Can you remain unmoving until the right action arises by itself?

The wise man is one who knows what he does not know.

He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.

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

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know.

Simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.

Water is the softest thing, yet it can penetrate mountains and earth. This shows clearly the principle of softness overcoming hardness.

Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires.

The sage does not accumulate. The more he helps others, the more he benefits himself. The more he gives to others, the more he gets himself.

True words aren't eloquent; eloquent words aren't true. Wise men don't need to prove their point; men who need to prove their point aren't wise.

When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.

Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend.

The harder you try, the harder you fail. The secret is to act without acting, to work without effort.

When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.

Stop thinking, and end your problems.

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

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

Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.

Be still like a mountain and flow like a great river.

The wise man shapes himself to circumstance, as water shapes itself to the vessel that contains it.