“He who acts (with an ulterior purpose) does harm; he who takes hold of a thing (in the same way) loses his hold.”

“He who would so win it destroys it; he who would hold it in his grasp loses it.”

“He who knows other men is discerning;he who knows himself is intelligent.He who overcomes others is strong;he who overcomes himself is mighty.He who is satisfied with his lot is rich;he who goes on acting with energy has a (firm) will. He who does not fail in the requirements of his position, continues long;he who dies and yet does not perish, has longevity.”

“He who stands on his tiptoes does not stand firm; he who stretches his legs does not walk (easily).”

“He who acts, spoils; he who grasps, lets slip.”

“He who (tries to) govern a state by his wisdom is a scourge to it; while he who does not (try to) do so is a blessing.”

“He who speaks does not know; he who knows does not speak”