Take care of what is difficult while it is still easy, and deal with what will become big while it is yet small.

Harmony is called the eternal. Knowing the eternal is called clarity.

Racing and hunting excite man's heart to madness.

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

The Tao can't be perceived. Smaller than an electron, it contains uncountable galaxies. If powerful men and women could remain centered in the Tao, all things would be in harmony. The world would become a paradise. All people would be at peace, and the law would be written in their hearts. When you have names and forms, know that they are provisional. When you have institutions, know where their functions should end. Knowing when to stop, you can avoid any danger. All things end in the Tao as rivers flow into the sea.

Kindness in words creates confidence.

Correct becomes defect. Good becomes ominous. People's delusions have certainly lasted long.