As restrictions and prohibitions are multiplied the people grow poorer and poorer. When they are subjected to overmuch government, the land is thrown into confusion.

Good walking leaves no track behind it.

Thirty spokes are joined in the wheel's hub. The hole in the middle makes it useful.

The sage regards things as difficult, and thereby avoids difficulty.

To delight in conquest is to delight in slaughter.

Accomplish but do not boast, accomplish without show, accomplish without arrogance, accomplish without grabbing, accomplish without forcing.

All things flourish, and each returns to its source.