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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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