“The reason why heaven and earth are able to endure and continue thus long is because they do not live of, or for, themselves.”

“Heaven is long-enduring and earth continues long.”

“This is how they are able to continue and endure.”

“It is because he is thus free from striving that therefore no one in the world is able to strive with him.”

“Abstaining from speech marks him who is obeying the spontaneity of his nature. A violent wind does not last for a whole morning; a sudden rain does not last for the whole day. To whom is it that these (two) things are owing? To Heaven and Earth. If Heaven and Earth cannot make such (spasmodic) actings last long, how much less can a man!”

“The reason why the universe is eternal is that it does not live for itself; it gives life to others as it transforms.”

“The space between Heaven and Earth---is it not like a bellows?”