Return animosity with virtue.

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

But in the present day men cast off gentleness, and are all for being bold; they spurn frugality, and retain only extravagance; they discard humility, and aim only at being first. Therefore they shall surely perish.

Giving to others selflesly and anonymously, radiating light throughout the world and illuminating your own darkness, your virtue becomes a sanctuary for yourself and all beings.

When people are unsettled, loyal ministers arise.

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.

We desire to understand the world by giving names to the things we see, but these things are only the effects of something subtle.