The softest in the world surpasses the hardest in the world.

First, we must do our own personal work, then we tend the necessary work of our family, then our community, then the world.

For all things difficult to acquire, the intelligent man works with perseverance.

What is well rooted cannot be pulled up. What is firmly grasped will not slip loose. It will be honoured from generation to generation.

The best way to carve is not to split.

The Eternal generates the One. The One generates the Two. The Two generates the Three. The Three generates all things.

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.