Those who do not trust enough should not be trusted.

The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal Name.

Carrying body and soul and embracing the one, Can you avoid separation?

If you practice inaction, nothing will be left undone: For the way to acquire lordship over society is by invariably not interfering.

Throw away holiness and wisdom, and people will be a hundred times happier. Throw away morality and justice, and people will do the right thing. Throw away industry and profit, and there won't be any thieves. If these three aren't enough, just stay at the center of the circle and let all things take their course.

Chanting is no more holy than listening to the murmur of a stream, counting prayer beads no more sacred than simply breathing. . . . If you wish to attain oneness with the Tao, don't get caught up in spiritual superficialities.

When everyone in the world sees beauty, then ugly exists.