There is one appointed supreme executioner. Truly, trying to take the place of the supreme executioner is like trying to carve wood like a master carpenter. Of those who try to carve wood like a master carpenter, there are few who do not injure their hands.

Those who know it do not speak about it. Those who speak about it do not know it.

Act non-action; undertake no undertaking; taste the tasteless.

Heaven's Way is like stretching a bow. The high is lowered and the low is raised. Excess is reduced and deficiency is replenished. Heaven's Way reduces excess and replenishes deficiency. People's Way is not so. They reduce the deficient and supply the excessive.

I do not concern myself with gods and spirits either good or evil nor do I serve any.

When everyone in the world sees beauty, then ugly exists.

I am good to people who are good. I am also good to people who are not good. Because Virtue is goodness.