“he who vaunts himself does not find his merit acknowledged;”

“from self-boasting, and therefore his merit is acknowledged;”

“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.”

“She does not show herself, and therefore is apparent. She does not affirm herself, and therefore is acknowledged. She does not boast and therefore has merit. She does not strive and therefore is successful. It is exactly because she does not contend, that nobody can contend with her.”

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

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