The reason why the universe is eternal is that it does not live for itself; it gives life to others as it transforms.

Hope and fear are both phantoms that arise from thinking of the self. When we don’t see the self as self, what do we have to fear?

People in their handlings of affairs often fail when they are about to succeed. If one remains as careful at the end as he was at the beginning, there will be no failure.

Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish – too much handling will spoil it.

Countless words count less than the silent balance between yin and yang

When wealth and honors lead to arrogancy, this brings its evil on itself.

So the unwanting soul sees what’s hidden, and the ever-wanting soul sees only what it wants.

Do you imagine the universe is agitated? Go into the desert at night and look at the stars. This practice should answer the question.

Do you have the patience to wait until your mud settles and the water is clear?

Ordinary men hate solitude. But the Master makes use of it, embracing his aloneness, realizing he is one with the whole universe.

There is no disaster greater than not being content; there is no misfortune greater than being covetous.

Water is the softest thing, yet it can penetrate mountains and earth. This shows clearly the principle of softness overcoming hardness.

If you do not value rare treasures, you will stop others from stealing.

A violent wind does not last for a whole morning; a sudden rain does not last for the whole day.

Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend.

Your own positive future begins in this moment. All you have is right now. Every goal is possible from here

If lightning is the anger of the gods, then the gods are concerned mostly about trees.

Go to the people. Live with them, learn from them, love them.

Accomplish but do not boast, accomplish without show, accomplish without arrogance, accomplish without grabbing, accomplish without forcing.