There is a thing inherent and natural which existed before heaven and earth. Motionless and fathomless, It stands alone and never changes; It pervades everywhere and never becomes exhausted. It may be regarded as the Mother of the Universe. I do not know its name. If I am forced to give It a name, I call it Tao, and I name it as supreme.

ALL things in Nature work silently. They come into being and possess nothing. They fulfil their functions and make no claim.

The most eloquent seems to stutter.

When you are one with loss, the loss is experienced willingly.

Sincere words are not fine; fine words are not sincere. Those who are skilled (in the Tao) do not dispute (about it); the disputatious are not skilled in it. Those who know (the Tao) are not extensively learned; the extensively learned do not know it.

Hold on to the great image, and the whole world follows, follows unharmed, content and completely at peace.

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