LAO TZU
(c. 400 B.C.)
Act in repose;
Be at rest when you work;
Relish unflavoured things….
Requite anger with virtue.
Take difficult tasks in hand
while they are still easy;
and great affairs
while they are still small.
The troubles of the world
cannot be solved after
they become too hard.
The business of the world
cannot be done except
while relatively small.
The wise, then, throughout their lives
do nothing great and yet achieve
a special greatness.
The one who makes promises rashly
rarely keeps good faith;
the one who considers things easy
meets with frequent difficulties.
Choosing hardship, then, the wise
never meet with hardship all their lives. 
(Tao Te Ching, ch. 63)