There is something obscure which is complete before heaven and earth arose; tranquil, quiet, standing alone without change, moving without peril. It could be the mother of everything. Not knowing its name, I call it Tao.

When you accept yourself, the Universe accepts you.

The noble must make humility his root.

Nature is not anthropomorphic.

Greed for enlightenment and immortality is no different than greed for material wealth. It is self-centered and dualistic, and thus an obstacle to true attainment. Therefore these states are never achieved by those who covet them; rather, they are the reward of the virtuous.

The sage does not act and therefore does not fail, does not seize and therefore does not lose.

Excellent soldiers are not furious.