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Kindle Notes & Highlights
Value virtue over wealth, and the people’s hearts will be at rest. Wise rulers do not accumulate treasures, but seek to quiet the hearts of their people. They soothe the people’s appetites and strengthen their bones. They treasure innocence, and protect the simple
The earth and the stars do not take sides— they are impartial. They regard all individuals as insignificant, as though they were playthings made of straw. The wise are also impartial; to them all people are equal and alike.
The wise humble themselves— and because of their humility, they are worthy of praise. They put others first, and so become great. They are not focused on outcomes or achievements; therefore they always succeed.
The wise attend to the inner truth of things and are not fooled by outward appearances. They ignore matter and seek the spirit.
Over-concern is just as harmful as disregard. Treat yourself well, but don’t pamper yourself excessively. If rulers treat the people in this same way— neither too soft nor too hard— they are worthy to be trusted with authority.
The wise, trusting in goodness, see the potential in others, treating no one as an outcast.
True virtue makes no show of virtue, and therefore it is really virtuous.
