Be truly whole, and all things will return to you.

Do you want to improve the world? I don't think it can be done. The world is sacred. It can't be improved. If you tamper with it, you'll ruin it. If you treat it like an object, you'll lose it. There is a time for being ahead, a time for being behind; a time for being in motion, a time for being at rest; a time for being vigorous, a time for being exhausted; a time for being safe, a time for being in danger. The Master sees things as they are, without trying to control them. She lets them go their own way, and resides at the center of the circle.

When they lose their sense of awe, people turn to religion. When they no longer trust themselves, they begin to depend upon authority. Therefore the Master steps back so that people won't be confused. He teaches without a teaching, so that people will have nothing to learn.

All men desire to free themselves solely from death; they do not know how to free themselves from life.

The Way is ever without action, yet nothing is left undone.

Do you think you can make the world a better place? I do not think you can. It is already perfect.

He who holds on to the Way seeks no excess. Since he lacks excess, he can grow old in no need to be renewed.