Rituals are the end of fidelity and honesty, and the beginning of confusion.

When the uncarved wood is split, its parts are put to use. When the sage is put to use, he becomes the head.

Abandon cleverness, discard profit, and thieves and robbers will disappear.

Requite injury with kindness.

As soon as rules were made, names were given. There are already many names. One must know when it is enough.

If the majority doesn't laugh at you, beware that you must be saying something wrong. When the majority thinks you are a fool, only then is there some possibility of you being a wise man.

Give up your relentless moralizing, the continual pinpricks which pierce the skin of your fellows. The distinction between good and evil is the sickness of the mind. Give up your morals, and the people will regain a love of their fellows.