We are all capable of much more than we think we are.

The Tao never does anything, yet through it all things are done. If powerful men and women could venter themselves in it, the whole world would be transformed by itself, in its natural rhythms. People would be content with their simple, everyday lives, in harmony, and free of desire. When there is no desire, all things are at peace.

The mark of a moderate man is freedom from his own ideas. Tolerant like the sky, all-pervading like sunlight, firm like a mountain, supple like a tree in the wind, he has no destination in view and makes use of anything life happens to bring his way.

People turn their eyes and ears to him (the sage), and the sage cares for them like his own children.

The fish cannot leave the deep waters. The state's weaponry should not be displayed.

The more laws and orders are multiplied, the more theft and violence increase.

Battles are followed by years of famine.