Success is as dangerous as failure. Hope is as hollow as fear.

The most powerful weapon known is the weapon of blessing. Therefore, a clever person relies on it. He wins with peace, not with war.

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

The best of all rulers is but a shadowy presence to his subjects.

Not all spiritual paths lead to the harmonious Oneness. Indeed, most are detours and distractions, nothing more.

There is something obscure which is complete before heaven and earth arose; tranquil, quiet, standing alone without change, moving without peril. It could be the mother of everything. Not knowing its name, I call it Tao.

What is and what is not create each other.