Act by means of non-action. Accomplish by not undertaking. Taste while a thing is tasteless. Consider small things great and the few as though they were many. The most difficult tasks in the world should be performed while they are still easy. The greatest projects should be dealt with while they are still small. On this principle the sage never tackles things when they have become great, and so he achieves greatness. Many difficulties are encountered when men treat hard things as though they were easy. Therefore the sage, by treating easy things as though they were difficult, ends by finding nothing difficult.
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Everyone in the world says that my Way is great but seems to be impracticable. It is just because it is great that it seems impracticable. If it were practicable it would long ago have become insignificant.
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Which lies closest, fame or self? Which counts for most, self or goods? Which is worse, gaining or losing? Therefore, the more things are cherished, the greater the trouble. The more things are hoarded the heavier the loss. He who is contented will not suffer humiliation. He who stays put will not be in danger. He will be able to remain for a long time.