When taxes are too high, people go hungry. When the government is too intrusive, people lose their spirit. Act for the people's benefit. Trust them; leave them alone.

As soon as rules were made, names were given. There are already many names. One must know when it is enough.

The sage wears coarse clothes, concealing jade.

Whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard. What is soft is strong.

That which offers no resistance can enter where there is no space.

Giving birth and nourishing, Bearing yet not possessing, Working yet not taking credit, Leading yet not dominating, This is the Primal Virtue.

The superior student listens to the Way and follows it closely. The average student listens to the Way and follows some and some not. The lesser student listens to the Way and laughs out loud. If there were no laughter it would not be the Way.