ALL things in Nature work silently. They come into being and possess nothing. They fulfil their functions and make no claim.

Seal the openings, shut the doors, and until your last day you will not be exhausted. Widen the openings, interfere, and until your last day you will not be safe.

Through return to simple living comes control of desires. In control of desires stillness is attained. In stillness the world is restored.

Those who advice the ruler on the Way, do not want the world subdued with weapons.

The most difficult in the world must be easy in its beginning.

Clay is fashioned into vessels; it is on their empty hollowness that their use depends. Doors and windows are cut out to make a dwelling, and on the empty space within, its use depends. Thus, while the existence of things may be good, it is the non-existence in them that makes them serviceable.

Because he (the Sage) demands no honor, he will never be dishonored.