People take death lightly. They expect too much of life. That is why people take death lightly.

The sage never strives for the great, and thereby the great is achieved.

A government can be compared to our lungs. Our lungs are best when we don't realize they are helping us breathe. It is when we are constantly aware of our lungs that we know they have come down with an illness.

In the pursuit of learning, every day something is acquired. In the pursuit of Tao, every day something is dropped.

Tao loves and nourishes all things, but does not dominate it over them.

Some help others in order to receive blessings and admiration. This is simply meaningless. Some cultivate themselves in part to serve others, in part to serve their own pride. They will understand, at best, half of the truth. But those who improve themselves for the sake of the world - to these, the whole truth of the universe will be revealed.

Excellent leaders of people lower themselves.