If you wish to be out front, then act as if you were behind.

Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline; simulated fear postulates courage; simulated weakness postulates strength.

He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still

If soldiers are punished before they have grown attached to you, they will not prove submissive;
and, unless submissive, then will be practically useless. If, when the soldiers have become attached
to you, punishments are not enforced, they will still be unless.

All difficult things have their origin in that which is easy, and great things in that which is small.

The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao; the name that can be named is not the eternal name. The Nameless is the origin of Heaven and Earth; the Named is the mother of all things.