Returning to the source is stillness, which is the way of nature. The way of nature is unchanging. Knowing constancy is insight.

The men who are great live with that which is substantial, they do not stay with that which is superficial; they abide with realities, they do not remain with what is showy. The one they discard, the other they hold.

There is no illusion great than fear.

When the Way governs the world, the proud stallions drag dung carriages. When the Way is lost to the world, war horses are bred outside the city.

The reason why the universe is eternal is that it does not live for itself; it gives life to others as it transforms.

Without law or compulsion, men would dwell in harmony.

Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.