Learn to bend, and you will never break
Learn to turn, and you will never fall
Empty yourself, and you’ll be filled
Release yourself, and you’ll be renewed
Own little, you can accomplish much
Own much, you will be bewildered by your choices

The taoist holds to the simple way and guides the world
Being reserved, he becomes noted
Being subtle, he shines
Being quiet, he is acknowledged
Being humble, he is long remembered

Because he does not compete, no one can overcome him
‘Bend and you will never break’
Surely this phrase has merit
Who practices it will be whole, always