The hidden so-called scholars of old did not hide themselves and refuse to be seen. They did not close the door on their words and refuse to let them out. They did not shut away their wisdom and refuse to share it. But those times were all haywire. If it had been possible for them to act, they could have done great things, bringing all to Oneness without any sign of doing so. However, the times were not favorable and it was not possible, so they put down deep roots, remained still and waited. this was the Tao by which they survived.

Good order results spontaneously when things are let alone

Men do not mirror themselves in running water - they mirror themselves in still water. Only what is still can still the stillness of other things.

To go outside what your charge was, and to try to solve everything yourself, is dangerous.

Listening stops with the ears, the mind stops with recognition, but spirit is empty and waits on all things.

Man may rest in the eternal fitness; he may abide in the everlasting; and roam from the beginning to the end of all creation. He may bring his nature to a condition of ONE, he may nourish his strength; he may harmonise his virtue, and so put himself into partnership with God.

The wise man knows that it is better to sit on the banks of a remote mountain stream than to be emperor of the whole world.