Dao generates One, Dao causes what is generated to be one. One gives rise to Two, Two refers to Yin and Yang. Two generates Three, Yin and Yang generate the three qi of harmony, clarity, and turbidity, which are divided into Heaven, Earth, and humanity. Three gives rise to all things in the world. Heaven, Earth, and humanity co-create all things; Heaven bestows, Earth transforms, and humanity nurtures them. All things carry Yin on their back and embrace Yang, No thing exists that does not bear Yin on its back and face toward Yang, turning inward to seek the sun. The interplay of these energies creates harmony. All things contain the original qi, which allows for harmony and gentleness. Just as there is an inner store in the chest and marrow within bones, plants have hollow spaces that allow qi to circulate, thus enabling long life. What people generally dislike are terms like "solitary," "widowed," and "barren," yet kings and officials use these as titles for themselves. "Solitary," "widowed," and "barren" are considered inauspicious names, yet kings and officials adopt them as titles to demonstrate humility, following the principle of emptiness, harmony, and gentleness.

Therefore, things may sometimes be harmed yet benefit; Pulling them will not bring results, but pushing them will inevitably lead to a return. Or they may be benefited yet end up being harmed. Those who seek to increase their height will cause collapse; those who greedily pursue wealth invite misfortune. What people are taught, refers to what the masses teach: abandoning weakness for strength, and softness for rigidity. I also teach them. This means I teach the people to abandon strength for weakness, and rigidity for softness. The aggressive and forceful do not meet a proper death. Aggressive individuals are those who disbelieve in the profound and subtle, betray Dao and virtue, disregard teachings, and rely on power and strength. To not meet a proper death means to be cut off by Heaven's decree, attacked by weapons, or killed by royal law, rather than dying of old age. I will take this as the father of teachings. Father means to lead or guide. Laozi uses the aggressive as a lesson, setting an admonition from the beginning. This teaching echoes the principle of wu wei — that force and aggression are contrary to the natural order of the Dao.