If Heaven were not clear it might rend. If Earth were not firm it might crumble.

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.

Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.

Obscure, like muddy waters.

The great Tao flows everywhere. All things are born from it, yet it doesn't create them. It pours itself into its work, yet it makes no claim. It nourishes infinite worlds, yet it doesn't hold on to them. Since it is merged with all things and hidden in their hearts, it can be called humble. Since all things vanish into it and it alone endures, it can be called great. It isn't aware of its greatness; thus it is truly great.

The reality of the building does not consist in the roof and walls, but in the space within to be lived in.

When everyone in the world sees beauty, then ugly exists.