The Tao gives birth to One. One gives birth to Two. Two gives birth to Three. Three gives birth to all things. All things have their backs to the female and stand facing the male. When male and female combine, all things achieve harmony. Ordinary men hate solitude. But the Master makes use of it, embracing his aloneness, realizing he is one with the whole universe.

Other people are joyous, like on the feast of the ox, like on the way up to the terrace in the spring. I alone am inert, giving no sign, like a newborn baby who has not learned to smile.

The fish cannot leave the deep waters. The state's weaponry should not be displayed.

Goodness strives not, and therefore it is not rebuked.

I am good to people who are good. I am also good to people who are not good. Because Virtue is goodness.

If you are at peace, you are living in the present.

The truly wise are content to be last. They are, therefore, first. They are indifferent to themselves. They are, therefore self-confident.