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

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

“Therefore he who would administer the kingdom, honouring it as he honours his own person, may be employed to govern it, and he who would administer it with the love which he bears to his own person may be entrusted with it.”

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

“To consider this desirable would be to delight in the slaughter of men; and he who delights in the slaughter of men cannot get his will in the kingdom.”

“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 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.”