A tree trunk the size of a man grows from a blade as thin as a hair. A tower nine stories high is built from a small heap of earth.
LaoziThe men who are great live with that which is substantial, they do not stay with that which is superficial; they abide with realities, they do not remain with what is showy. The one they discard, the other they hold.
LaoziThe more prohibitions there are, the poorer the people will be. The more laws are promulgated, the more thieves and bandits there will be.
Laozi