A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.

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.

The truth often sounds paradoxical.

Governing a large state is like boiling a small fish.

I have three precious things which I hold fast and prize. The first is gentleness; the second frugality; the third is humility, which keeps me from putting myself before others. Be gentle and you can be bold; be frugal and you can be liberal; avoid putting yourself before others and you can become a leader among men.

Good Government is not intrusive the people are hardly aware of it; the next best is felt yet loved; then comes that which is known and feared; the worst government is hated.

Keep behind, and you shall be put in front; keep out, and you shall be kept in.