Reputation should be neither sought nor avoided.

Never take over the world to tamper with it. Those who want to tamper with it are not fit to take over the world.

That so few understand me is why I am treasured.

Returning is the movement of the Way.

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.

Greed for enlightenment and immortality is no different than greed for material wealth. It is self-centered and dualistic, and thus an obstacle to true attainment. Therefore these states are never achieved by those who covet them; rather, they are the reward of the virtuous.

Profound virtue is indeed deep and wide. It leads all things back to the great order.