Sincere words are not fine; fine words are not sincere. Those who are skilled (in the Tao) do not dispute (about it); the disputatious are not skilled in it. Those who know (the Tao) are not extensively learned; the extensively learned do not know it.

The good leader carries water for his people.

Use the light to return to clarity.

The sage governs by emptying senses and filling bellies.

First and last follow each other.

To be brave without compassion, generous without moderation, and rule without refraining from being first in the world, are certain deaths.

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.