Heaven's Way does not contend, yet it certainly triumphs. It does not speak, yet it certainly answers. It does not summon, yet things come by themselves. It seems to be at rest, yet it certainly has a plan.

A vessel is formed from a lump of clay with care, however, it is the empty space within the vessel that makes it useful.

The great Way is all-pervading. It reaches to the left and to the right. All things depend on it with their existence. Still it demands no obedience.

In ancient times, those who followed the Way did not try to give people knowledge thereof, but kept them ignorant.

When you are one with loss, the loss is experienced willingly.

Though (the Tao) is uncreated itself, it creates all things. Because it has no substance, it can enter into where there is no space. Exercising by returning to itself, winning victories by remaining gentle and yielding, it is softer than anything, and therefore overcomes everything hard.

Great talents ripen late; the highest notes are hard to hear.