Without the tao, Kindness and compassion are replaced by law and justice; Faith and trust are supplanted by ritual and ceremony.

The sage desires no desire, does not value rare treasures, learns without learning, recovers what people have left behind.

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.

A tree that cannot bend will crack in the wind. Thus by nature's own decree, the soft and gentle are triumphant.

The unyielding army will not win.

Free from desire, you realize the mystery.

When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.