Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

"Under heaven all can see beauty as beauty only because there is ugliness. All can know good as good only because there is evil."

"If you understand others you are smart. If you understand yourself you are illuminated. If you overcome others you are powerful. If you overcome yourself you have strength. If you know how to be satisfied you are rich. If you can act with vigor, you have a will. If you don't lose your objectives you can be long-lasting. If you die without loss, you are eternal."

"When people see some things as beautiful,other things become ugly. When people see some things as good,other things become bad."

"If you try to change it, you will ruin it. Try to hold it, and you will lose it."

"Simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being. Patient with both friends and enemies,you accord with the way things are. Compassionate toward yourself,you reconcile all beings in the world."