Govern a great nation as you would cook a small fish. Do not overdo it.

• 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.'
• To know yet to think that one does not know is best Not to know yet to think that one knows will lead to difficulty.
• If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.
• If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve.
• Truthful words are not beautiful beautiful words are not truthful. Good words are not persuasive persuasive words are not good.
• From caring comes courage.
• Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
• Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline simulated fear postulates courage simulated weakness postulates strength.
• Life and death are one thread, the same line viewed from different sides.