But in the present day men cast off gentleness, and are all for being bold; they spurn frugality, and retain only extravagance; they discard humility, and aim only at being first. Therefore they shall surely perish.
LaoziThe snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither need you do anything but be yourself.
LaoziIf you want to awaken all of humanity, then awaken all of yourself, if you want to eliminate the suffering in the world, then eliminate all that is negative in yourself. Truly, the greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self-transformation.
LaoziWhat is well rooted cannot be pulled up. What is firmly grasped will not slip loose. It will be honoured from generation to generation.
Laozi