The softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the world. Through this I know the advantage of taking no action.

He who stands on tiptoe does not stand firm.

The superior student listens to the Way and follows it closely. The average student listens to the Way and follows some and some not. The lesser student listens to the Way and laughs out loud. If there were no laughter it would not be the Way.

Do you think you can make the world a better place? I do not think you can. It is already perfect.

Heaven and earth are ruthless, and treat the various creatures as straw dogs; the sage is ruthless, and treats others as straw dogs.

Of all that is good, sublimity is supreme. Succeeding is the coming together of all that is beautiful. Furtherance is the agreement of all that is just. Perseverance is the foundation of all actions.

The greatest virtue is to follow the Way utterly.