The real art of governing consists, so far as possible, in doing nothing.

When the highest type of people hear Tao (Truth), they diligently practice it. When the average type of people hear Tao, they half believe in it. When the lowest type of people hear Tao, they laugh at it. If they did not laugh, it would not be Tao.

Who is there who can make muddy waters clear? But if allowed to remain still, it will gradually clear itself.

That the soft overcomes the hard, and the yielding overcomes the resistant, is a fact known by all, but practiced by few.

Where there is no conflict, there is no fault.

The Eternal generates the One. The One generates the Two. The Two generates the Three. The Three generates all things.

The soft and weak can overcome the hard and strong.