In the highest antiquity, the people did not know that there were rulers. In the next age they loved them and praised them. In the next they feared them; in the next they despised them.

In ancient times, people said that imperfect moves to becoming perfect. Are these words vain? No! Truly, by gaining Unity you come to Perfection!

Doing nothing is better than being busy doing nothing.

A follower of the Way (Tao) loses something each day. Loss after loss until arriving at Non Action (Wu Wei).

Arms are instruments of ill omen, not the instruments of the gentleman. When one is compelled to use them, it is best to do so without relish.

Without desire there is stillness, and the world settles by itself.

Nature does not have to insist.