The highest virtue is not virtuous. Therefore it has virtue. The lowest virtue holds on to virtue. Therefore it has no virtue.
There is no greater crime than desire.
Not praising the deserving prevents envy.
When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.
Good leaders reach solutions, and then stop. They do not dare to rely on force.
When the great Tao is forgotten, goodness and piety appear. When the body's intelligence declines, cleverness and knowledge step forth. When there is no peace in the family, filial piety begins. When the country falls into chaos, patriotism is born.