Lao Tzu

“A nine-storied tower rises from a heap of earth.”

“He who acts spoils things; he who grasps loses them.”

“I have three precious things which I hold fast and prize. The first is gentleness; the second is frugality; the third is humility.”

“Therefore the sage does not act, so he doesn't spoil things; he does not grasp, so he doesn't lose them.”

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

“He who stands on tiptoe doesn't stand firm; he who rushes ahead doesn't go far.”

“The reason why rivers and seas can be rulers of a hundred valleys is that they are good at lying low.”

“Therefore, in order to be above the people, one must, in speech, place oneself below them.”

“He who excels as a warrior does not appear formidable.”

“He who excels at fighting does not let himself be roused.”

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

“He who tries to shine dims his own light.”

“The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name.”

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

“The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.”

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

“Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity.”

“Mastery of others is strength; mastery of yourself is power.”

“Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”