In harmony with the Tao, the sky is clear and spacious, the earth is solid and full, all creature flourish together, content with the way they are, endlessly repeating themselves, endlessly renewed. When man interferes with the Tao, the sky becomes filthy, the earth becomes depleted, the equilibrium crumbles, creatures become extinct. The Master views the parts with compassion, because he understands the whole. His constant practice is humility. He doesn't glitter like a jewel but lets himself be shaped by the Tao, as rugged and common as stone.

The sage wears coarse clothes, concealing jade.

It is better to do one's own duty, however defective it may be, than to follow the duty of another, however well one may perform it. He who does his duty as his own nature reveals it, never sins.

Few things under heaven bring more benefit than the lessons learned from silence and the actions taken without striving.

To bear and not to own; to act and not lay claim; to do the work and let it go: for just letting it go is what makes it stay.

When everyone sees good, then bad exists.

Trying to understand is like straining through muddy water. Be still and allow the mud to settle.