Laozi — "The sage, because he does not contend, is therefore without reproach."

"Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield. As a rule, whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard. This is a…"

"When the best student hears about the Way, he practices it diligently. When the average student hears about the Way, he is half-hearted. When the worst student hears about the Way, he laughs out loud.…"

"Therefore the sage holds to the one and becomes a model for the world. He does not display himself; therefore he shines. He does not assert himself; therefore he is known. He does not boast; therefore…"

"The sage attends to the belly, and not to what he sees."

"The sage does not hoard. The more he helps others, the more he benefits himself."