The purest white seems stained.

The reality of the building does not consist in the roof and walls, but in the space within to be lived in.

He who stands on tiptoe is not steady. He who strides cannot maintain the pace. He who makes a show is not enlightened. He who is self-righteous is not respected. He who boasts achieves nothing. He who brags will not endure. According to followers of the Tao, "These are extra food and unnecessary luggage." They do not bring happiness, therefore followers of the Tao avoid them.

He who knows he has enough is rich.

Can you let go of words and ideas, attitudes and expectations? If so, then the Tao will loom into view.

A great country is like the lower outlet of a river. It is the world's meeting ground, the world's female.

All things flourish, and each returns to its source.