When the emperor is crowned or the three dukes are appointed, rather than sending a gift of jade carried by four horses, remain still and offer the Way.

A good manager is best when people barely know that he exists. Not so good when people obey and acclaim him. Worse when they despise him.

Those who know when to halt are unharmed.

The words of truth are always paradoxical.

Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.

Let people return to making knots on ropes, instead of writing.

There is no greater crime than desire.