Though tightly the net of words forms, how surely truth slips out.

Just as the value of a house lies in its location, The value of a mind lies in its depth, The value of giving lies in the presence of a generous spirit, The value of words lies in their reliability.

Where there is no conflict, there is no fault.

The leader is a teacher who succeeds without taking credit. And, because credit is not taken, credit is received.

Tao loves and nourishes all things, but does not dominate it over them.

If a country is governed with tolerance, the people are comfortable and honest. If a country is governed with repression, the people are depressed and crafty. When the will to power is in charge, the higher the ideals, the lower the results. Try to make people happy, and you lay the groundwork for misery. Try to make people moral, and you lay the groundwork for vice. Thus the Master is content to serve as an example and not to impose her will. She is pointed, but doesn't pierce. Straightforward, but supple. Radiant, but easy on the eyes.

If princes and kings were not exalted they might be overthrown.