“If the force of arms is considered the only means of authority, it is not an auspicious instrument.”

“Calm and repose are what he prizes; victory (by force of arms) is to him undesirable.”

“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.”

“The people starve because those in authority over them devour too many taxes; that is why they starve.”

“Those who flow as life flows know they need no other force.”

“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.”

“Accomplish but do not boast, accomplish without show, accomplish without arrogance, accomplish without grabbing, accomplish without forcing.”