Misery is what happiness rests upon. Happiness is what misery lurks beneath.

The Way of Tao is this: It strives not, but conquers; It speaks not, but all is made clear; It summons not, but its house is crowded; It contrives not, but the design is perfect.

Heaven's Way gives no favors. It always remains with good people.

To know one's ignorance is the best part of knowledge.

The sage governs by emptying senses and filling bellies.

The valley spirit never dies. It is called the mystical female.

That which shrinks must first expand.