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.

Goodie-goodies are the thieves of virtue.

The tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao The name that can be named is not the eternal Name. The unnamable is the eternally real. Naming is the origin of all particular things. Free from desire, you realize the mystery. Caught in desire, you see only the manifestations. Yet mystery and manifestations arise from the same source. This source is called darkness. Darkness within darkness. The gateway to all understanding.

What is well planted will not be uprooted.

From wonder into wonder existence opens.

Because he (the Sage) opposes no one, no one in the world can oppose him.

Ancient masters of excellence had a subtle essence, and a depth too profound to comprehend.