Tao Te Ching: Original Chinese text and English translation

by Lao Tzu

I have Three Treasures; Guard them and keep them safe: the first is Love. The second is, Never too much. The third is, Never be the first in the world. Through Love, one has no fear; Through not doing too much, one has amplitude (of reserve power); Through not presuming to be the first in the world, One can develop one's talent and let it mature.

Therefore hardness and stiffness are the companions of death, And softness and gentleness are the companions of life.