My words are very easy to understand and very easy to practice; but there is no one in the world who is able to understand and practice them.
LaoziThe supreme rulers are hardly known by their subjects. The lesser are loved and praised. The even lesser are feared. The least are despised.
LaoziSome help others in order to receive blessings and admiration. This is simply meaningless. Some cultivate themselves in part to serve others, in part to serve their own pride. They will understand, at best, half of the truth. But those who improve themselves for the sake of the world - to these, the whole truth of the universe will be revealed.
Laozi