Only I am clumsy, like drifting on the waves of the sea, without direction.

The great Tao flows everywhere. All things are born from it, yet it doesn't create them. It pours itself into its work, yet it makes no claim. It nourishes infinite worlds, yet it doesn't hold on to them. Since it is merged with all things and hidden in their hearts, it can be called humble. Since all things vanish into it and it alone endures, it can be called great. It isn't aware of its greatness; thus it is truly great.

He who regards many things easy will find many difficulties. Therefore the sage regards things difficult, and consequently never has difficulties.

Gently eliminating all obstacles to his own understanding, he constantly maintains his unconditional sincerity. His humility, perseverance, and adaptability evoke the response of the universe and fill him with divine light.

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

My words have an origin. My deeds have a sovereign. Truly, because people do not understand this, they do not understand me.

The more prohibitions you have, the less virtuous people will be. The more weapons you have, the less secure people will be. The more subsidies you have, the less self reliant people will be.