The Way of Tao is this: It strives not, but conquers; It speaks not, but all is made clear; It summons not, but its house is crowded; It contrives not, but the design is perfect.

The career of a sage is of two kinds: He is either honored by all in the world, Like a flower waving its head, Or else he disappears into the silent forest.

The wise man looks back into the past, and does not grieve over what is far off, nor rejoice over what is near; for he knows that time is without end.

Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.

The Wise Man is square but not sharp, honest but not not malign, straight but not severe, bright but not dazzling.

The sage regards things as difficult, and thereby avoids difficulty.

If you search everywhere, yet cannot find what you are seeking, it is because what you seek is already in your possession.