Chanting is no more holy than listening to the murmur of a stream, counting prayer beads no more sacred than simply breathing. . . . If you wish to attain oneness with the Tao, don't get caught up in spiritual superficialities.

Of all things, none does not revere the Way and honor virtue. Reverence of the Way and honoring virtue were not demanded of them, but it is in their nature.

The softest in the world surpasses the hardest in the world.

He who controls the past controls the future.

Whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard. What is soft is strong.

Good leaders reach solutions, and then stop. They do not dare to rely on force.

Through return to simple living comes control of desires. In control of desires stillness is attained. In stillness the world is restored.