When superior people hear of the Way, they carry it out with diligence. When middling people hear of the Way, it sometimes seems to be there, sometimes not. When lesser people hear of the Way, they ridicule it greatly. If they didn't laugh at it, it wouldn't be the Way.

To be of few words is natural.

The good leader carries water for his people.

Rule a kingdom as though you were cooking a small fish - don't overdo it.

People are born soft and weak. They die hard and stiff.

Watch your thoughts, they become words.

When taxes are too high, people go hungry.