Ten Sages
Each with a worldview that disagrees with the others.
“The Way that can be spoken is not the eternal Way.”
“At fifteen, I set my heart on learning. At seventy, I followed my heart without crossing the line.”
“Within you flows a vast moral spirit. The people come before the ruler.”
“Absolute spiritual freedom. The equality of all things. Follow the natural flow.”
“War is the way of deception. Subdue the enemy without fighting.”
“Universal love. Oppose aggressive war. Frugality in all things.”
“Human nature is rough by birth. Only ritual and learning shape it.”
“Law, technique, authority. A ruler relies on system, not goodness.”
“Persuasion and strategy. Open and close. Read the heart before you speak.”
“A strong nation rests on full granaries. When people have enough, they understand ritual.”