People are difficult to rule, because of their knowledge.

As it acts in the world, the Tao is like the bending of a bow. The top is bent downward; the bottom is bent up. It adjusts excess and deficiency so that there is perfect balance.

The first practice is the practice of undiscriminating virtue: take care of those who are deserving; also, and equally, take care of those who are not. When you extend your virtue in all directions without discriminating, you feet are firmly planted on the path that returns to the Tao.

Act non-action; undertake no undertaking; taste the tasteless.

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

There is no greater fault than sensual indulgence. There is no greater misfortune than malcontent. There is no greater calamity than greed.

He who steals a hook shall be hanged; while he who steals the state shall be crowned as prince.