Few things under heaven bring more benefit than the lessons learned from silence and the actions taken without striving.

Clay is used to make vases, but it is the emptiness they contain that makes them useful.

The ten thousand things flourish and then each returns to the root from which it came. Returning to the root is stillness. Through stillness each fulfils its destiny.

Understanding others is knowledge, Understanding oneself is enlightenment; Conquering others is power, Conquering oneself is strength.

Governing a large country is like frying a small fish. You spoil it with too much poking. Center your country in the Tao and evil will have no power. Not that it isn't there, but you'll be able to step out of its way. Give evil nothing to oppose and it will disappear by itself.

Because clarity and enlightenment are within your own nature, they are regained without moving an inch.

Act non-action; undertake no undertaking; taste the tasteless.