Learn from the people. Plan with the people. Begin with what they have. Build on what they know.

The most fundamental seems fickle.

One who lives in accordance with nature does not go against the way of things but moves in harmony with the present moment.

Govern a great nation as you would cook a small fish. Do not overdo it.

The more laws and orders are multiplied, the more theft and violence increase.

Those who of old were good practicers of Tao did not use it to make people bright, but rather used it to make them simple.

Pride attaches undue importance to the superiority of one's status in the eyes of others; and shame is fear of humiliation at one's inferior status in the estimation of others. When one sets one's heart on being highly esteemed, and achieves such rating, then he or she is automatically involved in fear of losing status.