Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt. Chase after money and security and your heart will never unclench. Care about people's approval and you will be their prisoner. Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity.

A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.

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.

The sage does not attempt anything very big, and thus achieves greatness.

The Master doesn't seek fulfillment. For only those who are not full are able to be used which brings the feeling of completeness.

The heavy is the root of the light. The unmoved is the source of all movement. Thus the Master travels all day without leaving home. However splendid the views, she stays serenely in herself. Why should the lord of the country flit about like a fool? If you let yourself be blown to and fro, you lose touch with your root. If you let restlessness move you, you lose touch with who you are.

The most difficult in the world must be easy in its beginning.