By avoiding extremes, a sage can avoid conflict.

"Therefore the sage:

Eliminates extremes

Eliminates excess

Eliminates arrogance" (Chapter 29)

Sage prefers Non-action:

This is the most vital attribute of a sage. The sage doesn't seek to impose or interfere and hence let people follow him on their own will. There is no compulsion in sage's rule. The sage seeks to rule people by example instead of force. He quietly observes and does and people then do the same as he wishes because they like the way the sage acts.

Therefore the sage says:

I take unattached action, and the people transform themselves

I prefer quiet, and the people right themselves

I do not interfere, and the people enrich themselves

I have no desires, and the people simplify themselves (Chapter 57)

Sage doesn't believe in ostentation:

A sage is a person of calm action which means that while he does what...
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