We desire to understand the world by giving names to the things we see, but these things are only the effects of something subtle.

Nothing in the world is as soft and yielding as water. Yet for dissolving the hard and inflexible, nothing can surpass it. The soft overcomes the hard; the gentle overcomes the rigid. Everyone knows this is true, but few can put it into practice. Therefore the Master remains serene in the midst of sorrow. Evil cannot enter his heart. Because he has given up helping, he is people's greatest help. True words seem paradoxical.

A terrace nine stories high begins with a pile of earth.

All things in the world come from being. And being comes from non-being.

Fine words are traded. Noble deeds gain respect. But people who are not good, why abandon them?

Watch your thoughts, they become words.

When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.