When a country is in harmony with the Tao, the factories make trucks and tractors. When a country goes counter to the Tao, warheads are stockpiled outside the cities. There is no greater illusion than fear, no greater wrong than preparing to defend yourself, no greater misfortune than having an enemy. Whoever can see through all fear will always be safe.

Peacefulness is an inner sense of calm - it comes from becoming still - in order to reflect and meditate on our inner wisdom and receive answers. A peaceful heart is one that is free from worry and rouble. It's becoming quiet so we can look at things quietly so we can more clearly understand them and thus come up with creative solutions. It is learning to live in the present. Freedom from desire leads to inner peace.

The one who is filled by virtue is like a newborn baby.

There is no greater disaster than discontent.

Be still like a mountain and flow like a great river.

When the effective leader is finished with his work, the people say it happened naturally.

What people loathe the most is to be orphaned, desolate, unworthy. But this is what princes and kings call themselves.