You cannot receive what you don't give. Outflow determines inflow.

Though (the Tao) is uncreated itself, it creates all things. Because it has no substance, it can enter into where there is no space. Exercising by returning to itself, winning victories by remaining gentle and yielding, it is softer than anything, and therefore overcomes everything hard.

See others as yourself. See families as your family. See towns as your town. See countries as your country. See worlds as your world.

If the Great Way perishes there will morality and duty. When cleverness and knowledge arise great lies will flourish. When relatives fall out with one another there will be filial duty and love. When states are in confusion there will be faithful servants.

From caring comes courage.

The sage avoids extremity, excess, and extravagance.

The truest sayings are paradoxical.