"No thought, no action, no movement, total stillness: only thus can one manifest the true nature and law of things... and at last become one with heaven and earth."

"The reason why the river and the sea are able to be the lords of the hundred valleys is that they excel in taking the lower position. That is why they are able to be the lords of the hundred valleys."

"Therefore the sage holds to the one and becomes a model for the world. He does not display himself; therefore he shines. He does not assert himself; therefore he is known. He does not boast; therefore…"

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

"The sage is like water, which flows to the lowest places and yet is the strongest."