Clay is fashioned into vessels; it is on their empty hollowness that their use depends. Doors and windows are cut out to make a dwelling, and on the empty space within, its use depends. Thus, while the existence of things may be good, it is the non-existence in them that makes them serviceable.

The leader is a teacher who succeeds without taking credit. And, because credit is not taken, credit is received.

Returning is the movement of the Way.

The one who is conscious (in Tao) can't speak. The one who can speak is not conscious (centered in Tao)

Where there is no conflict, there is no fault.

When the world is ruled according to the Way, the ghosts lose their power. The ghosts do not really lose their power, but it is not used to harm people.

Filling all the way to the brim is not as good as halting in time.