What’s the difference between yes and no?
The sage never strives for greatness, and can therefore accomplish greatness.
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.
The world is a sacred vessel that cannot be changed. He who changes it will destroy it. He who seizes it will lose it.
When everyone in the world sees beauty, then ugly exists.
He who loves does not dispute: He who disputes does not love.
If you correct your mind the rest of your life will fall into place.
If Heaven were not clear it might rend. If Earth were not firm it might crumble.
He who holds on to the Way seeks no excess. Since he lacks excess, he can grow old in no need to be renewed.
Without looking through the window, you can see Heaven’s Way.
Activity conquers coldness. Stillness conquers heat.
The group will not prosper if the leader grabs the lion’s share of the credit for the good work that has been done.
Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity.
All things carry yin and embrace yang. They reach harmony by blending with the vital breath.
That so few understand me is why I am treasured.
The longer you travel, the less you know.
Knowing that we don’t know it’s humility; thinking that we know what we don’t know, is sickness.
Peace is our natural state of being.
The world’s beginning is its mother. To have found the mother is also to know the children. Although you know the children, cling to the mother. Until your last day you will not be harmed.
Conquering the world and changing it, I do not think it can succeed.