"When the best student hears about the Way, he practices it diligently. When the average student hears about the Way, he is half-hearted. When the worst student hears about the Way, he laughs out loud.…"

"Empty your mind of all thoughts. Let your heart be at peace. Watch the turmoil of the world, but let your serenity remain. Return to the root. This is tranquility. This is returning to your destiny."

"Govern a great nation as you would cook a small fish. (Do not overdo it.)"

"The more you prohibit, the more evil there will be."

"Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield. As a rule, whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard. This is a…"