Everything will settle in its own place automatically.

Heaven and earth are ruthless, and treat the various creatures as straw dogs; the sage is ruthless, and treats others as straw dogs.

The Way of the Sage is to act but not to compete.

Those who stand on their toes are not steady.

In the highest antiquity, the people did not know that there were rulers. In the next age they loved them and praised them. In the next they feared them; in the next they despised them.

The seed of mystery lies in muddy water. How can I perceive this mystery? Water becomes clear through stillness. How can I become still? By flowing with the stream.

Have patience. Wait until the mud settles and the water is clear. Remain unmoving until right action arises by itself.