Conclusions are ignorance arrested on the path to less ignorance.

Searching for precious goods leads astray.

Take care with the end as you do with the beginning

You cannot know the body by studying the finger, and you cannot understand the universe by learning one science.

Softness triumphs over hardness, feebleness over strength. What is more malleable is always superior over that which is immoveable. This is the principle of controlling things by going along with them, of mastery through adaptation.

Therefore the Sage embraces Unity, and is a model for all under Heaven. He is free from self-display, therefore he shines forth; from self-assertion, therefore he is distinguished; from self-glorification, therefore he has merit; from self-exaltation, therefore he rises superior to all. Inasmuch as he does not strive, there is no one in the world who can strive with him.

When the effective leader is finished with his work, the people say it happened naturally.