The gentlest thing in the world overcomes the hardest thing in the world. That which has no substance enters where there is no space. This shows the value of non-action. Teaching without words, performing without actions: that is the Master's way.

Can you deal with the most vital matters by letting events take their course? Can you step back from you own mind and thus understand all things? Giving birth and nourishing, having without possessing, acting with no expectations, leading and not trying to control: this is the supreme virtue.

When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.

The sage does not strive to be great. Thereby he can accomplish the great.

Thus an army without flexibility never wins a battle. A tree that is unbending is easily broken.

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

When the highest type of people hear Tao (Truth), they diligently practice it. When the average type of people hear Tao, they half believe in it. When the lowest type of people hear Tao, they laugh at it. If they did not laugh, it would not be Tao.