The usefulness of a pot comes from its emptiness.

Knowing ignorance is strength; ignoring knowledge is sickness.

If people live in constant fear of death, and if breaking the law is punished by death, then who would dare?

To consider this desirable would be to delight in the slaughter of men; and he who delights in the slaughter of men cannot get his will in the kingdom.

The Way of Tao is this: It strives not, but conquers; It speaks not, but all is made clear; It summons not, but its house is crowded; It contrives not, but the design is perfect.

The way of heaven is to help and not harm.

Approach your own inner life with a loving quality that accepts who you are without trying to change who you are.