“What other men thus teach, I also teach. The violent and strong do not die their natural death. I will make this the basis of my teaching. The softest thing in the world dashes against and overcomes the hardest; that which has no substantial existence enters where there is no crevice. I know hereby what advantage belongs to doing nothing with a purpose. There are few in the world who attain to the teaching without words, and the advantage arising from non-action. Or fame or life, Which do you hold more dear? Or life or wealth, To which would you adhere? Keep life and lose those other things; Keep them and lose your life -- which brings Sorrow and pain more near?”
- Tao Te Ching — Chapter 32 (James Legge)