The world's beginning is its mother. To have found the mother is also to know the children. Although you know the children, cling to the mother. Until your last day you will not be harmed.

The men who are great live with that which is substantial, they do not stay with that which is superficial; they abide with realities, they do not remain with what is showy. The one they discard, the other they hold.

The valley spirit never dies. It is called the mystical female.

Confidence is the greatest friend.

Things exalted then decay. This is going against the Way. What goes against the Way meets an early end.

When the ancient Masters said, "If you want to be given everything, give everything up," they weren't using empty phrases. Only in being lived by the Tao can you be truly yourself.

There is no greater danger than underestimating your opponent.