When everyone sees good, then bad exists.

The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal Name.

Nothing is weaker than water, Yet for overcoming what is hard and strong, Nothing surpasses it.

The sage honors his part of the settlement, but does not exact his due from others.

Those who make their living by collecting taxes cause the people to starve; when the people starve, the tax collectors, having no one to tax, starve also

Softness triumphs over hardness, feebleness over strength. What is more malleable is always superior over that which is immoveable. This is the principle of controlling things by going along with them, of mastery through adaptation.

The seed of mystery lies in muddy water. How can I perceive this mystery? Water becomes clear through stillness. How can I become still? By flowing with the stream.