All things in nature work silently. They come into being and possess nothing. They fulfill their function and make no claim. All things alike do their work, and then we see them subside. When they have reached their bloom, each returns to its origin. . . . This reversion is an eternal law. To know that law is wisdom.

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

When the hares have all been caught, the hunting dogs are cooked.

Is not the space between Heaven and Earth like a bellows? It is empty, but lacks nothing. The more it moves, the more comes out of it.

In the Universe the difficult things are done as if they were easy.

The Tao is like a well; used but never used up.

I do not know its name. I call it the Way. For the lack of better words I call it great.