Tao is beyond words and beyond understanding. Words may be used to speak of it, but they cannot contain it. Tao existed before words and names, before heaven and earth, before the ten thousand things. It is the unlimited father and mother of all limited things. Therefore, to see beyond boundaries to the subtle heart of things, dispense with names, with concepts, with expectations and ambitions and differences. Tao and its many manifestations arise from the same source: subtle wonder within mysterious darkness. This is the beginning of all understanding.

Misery is what happiness rests upon. Happiness is what misery lurks beneath.

Much knowledge will corrupt the heart,/When partly understood,/And so the people grow too smart,/But neither wise nor good.

Let muddy water stand and it will become clear.

The Great Vessel takes long to complete.

Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires.

If the sage wants to stand above people, he must speak to them from below. If he wants to lead people, he must follow them from behind.