Quotes

The perfect man has no self; the spiritual man has no merit; the sage has no name.

I do not know whether Zhuang Zhou dreamed he was a butterfly, or a butterfly is dreaming it is Zhuang Zhou.

My life has a limit, but knowledge has none. To use what is limited in pursuit of what is limitless is perilous.

There is no calamity greater than discontent; no fault greater than the wish to be always getting more.

He who overcomes others is strong; he who overcomes himself is mighty.

The sage does not display himself, and therefore he shines; he does not exalt himself, and therefore he is distinguished.

He who knows he has enough is rich.

There is nothing in the world more soft and weak than water, and yet for attacking things that are firm and strong there is nothing that can surpass it.

Rely not on the likelihood of the enemy’s not coming, but on your own readiness to receive him.

Many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all!

Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.

The best thing of all is to take the enemy’s country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good.