Hold on to the ancient Way to master the present, and to learn the distant beginning.

Do nothing, and leave nothing undone. ["Doing nothing" is what happens when the doer disappears, it isn't something that one does or chooses not to do.]

Softness triumphs over hardness, feebleness over strength. What is more malleable is always superior over that which is immoveable. This is the principle of controlling things by going along with them, of mastery through adaptation.

When taxes are too high, people go hungry. When the government is too intrusive, people lose their spirit. Act for the people's benefit. Trust them; leave them alone.

Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity.

Every step is on the path.

Other people are occupied, I alone am unwilling, like the outcast.