“against warWeapons are unhappy tools,not chosen by thoughtful people,to be used only when there is no choice,and with a calm, still mind,without enjoyment.To enjoy using weaponsis to enjoy killing people,and to enjoy killing peopleis to lose your share in the common good. ...”

“Even the best weapon is an unhappy tool, hateful to living things. So the follower of the Way stays away from it. Weapons are unhappy tools, not chosen by thoughtful people, to be used only when there is no choice, and with a calm, still mind, without enjoyment. To enjoy using weapons is to enjoy killing people, and to enjoy killing people is to lose your share in the common good. It is right that the murder of many people be mourned and lamented. It is right that a victor in war be received with funeral ceremonies.”

“Do not conquer the world with force, for force only causes resistance. Thorns spring up when an army passes. Years of misery follow a great victory. Do only what needs to be done without using violence.”

“In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present.”

“Therefore the sage manages affairs without doing anything, and conveys his instructions without the use of speech.”

“When the people of the world all know beauty as beauty, there arises the recognition of ugliness. When they all know the good as good, there arises the recognition of evil.”

“When people see some things as beautiful,other things become ugly.When people see some things as good,other things become bad.”