If we could renounce our artful contrivances and discard our (scheming for) gain$$$ there would be no thieves nor robbers.

The first is gentleness; the second is economy; and the third is shrinking from taking precedence of others.

He who asserts his own views is not distinguished;

Hence the sage puts away excessive effort$$$ extravagance$$$ and easy indulgence.

If lightning is the anger of the gods$$$ then the gods are concerned mostly about trees.

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

What one does in one's art$$$ that is the breath of one's being. What one does in one's life$$$ that is a bagatelle for the outsiders to fuss about.

Will you$$$ then$$$ never grow weary of being unjust?

Once you have read a book you care about$$$ some part of it is always with you.

The farther that one goes out (from himself)$$$ the less he knows.