When the effective leader is finished with his work, the people say it happened naturally.
Movement overcomes cold.
To the good I would be good; to the not-good I would also be good, in order to make them good.
The Tao that can be spoken is not the true Tao.
When many people are killed, they should be mourned and lamented. Those who are victorious in war should follow the rites of funerals.
The hard and stiff are death's companions. The soft and weak are life's companions.
When people do not dread authorities, then a greater dread descends.
Those who advice the ruler on the Way, do not want the world subdued with weapons.
Battles are followed by years of famine.
Weapons are ominous tools. They are abhorred by all creatures. Anyone who follows the Way shuns them.
Weapons are ominous tools. They are not the noble ruler's tools. He only uses them when he can't avoid it.
Those who praise victory relish manslaughter. Those who relish manslaughter cannot reach their goals in the world.
Excellent conquerors do not engage.
Warriors say: I dare not be like the host, but would rather be like the guest. I dare not advance an inch, but would rather retreat a foot.
Although there are weapons for tens and hundreds of soldiers, they will not be used.
In the Golden Age, Rulers were unknown. In the following age Rulers were loved and praised. Next came the age When rulers were feared. Finally the age When rulers are hated.
The Tao is like a well; used but never used up.
Conduct your triumph as a funeral.
The Tao which you know is not the eternal Tao
It is fitting for a great nation to yield.
What is a good man? A teacher of a bad man. What is a bad man? A good man's charge?
She who is centered in the Tao can go where she wishes, without danger. She perceives the universal harmony, even amid great pain, because she has found peace in her heart. Music or the smell of good cooking may make people stop and enjoy. But words that point to the Tao seem monotonous and without flavor. When you look for it, there is nothing to see. When you listen for it, there is nothing to hear. When you use it, it is inexhaustible.
Clay is fashioned into vessels; it is on their empty hollowness that their use depends. Doors and windows are cut out to make a dwelling, and on the empty space within, its use depends. Thus, while the existence of things may be good, it is the non-existence in them that makes them serviceable.
To consider this desirable would be to delight in the slaughter of men; and he who delights in the slaughter of men cannot get his will in the kingdom.
Its name-what passes not away.
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