He does not seek power - yet people follow him.

When wisdom and knowledge appear, great pretense arises.

The Way to Heaven has no favorites. It is always with the good man.

When goodness is lost, it is replaced by morality.

It is as though he listened and such listening as his enfolds us in silence in which at last we begin to hear what we are meant to be.

The sage never strives for greatness, and can therefore accomplish greatness.

There is a thing inherent and natural which existed before heaven and earth. Motionless and fathomless, It stands alone and never changes; It pervades everywhere and never becomes exhausted. It may be regarded as the Mother of the Universe. I do not know its name. If I am forced to give It a name, I call it Tao, and I name it as supreme.