The wise man, after learning something new, is afraid to learn anything more until he has put his first lesson into practice.

In the Golden Age, Rulers were unknown. In the following age Rulers were loved and praised. Next came the age When rulers were feared. Finally the age When rulers are hated.

In the pursuit of learning, every day something is acquired. In the pursuit of Tao, every day something is dropped.

The Tao never does anything, yet through it all things are done. If powerful men and women could venter themselves in it, the whole world would be transformed by itself, in its natural rhythms. People would be content with their simple, everyday lives, in harmony, and free of desire. When there is no desire, all things are at peace.

Must one dread what others dread?

People starve. The rulers consume too much with their taxes. That is why people starve.

Freedom from desire leads to inner peace.