Laozi

The reason for great distress is the body. Without it, what distress could there be?

If people live in constant fear of death, and if breaking the law is punished by death, then who would dare?

Those who are quiet value the words. When their task is completed, people will say: We did it ourselves.

A good door needs no lock, still it can't be opened.

A good mooring needs no knot, still no one can untie it.

Behave simply and hold on to purity.

A good wanderer leaves no trace.

The ancients said: Hulk to be whole.

The noble must make humility his root.

Being a model to the world, eternal virtue will never falter in you, and you return to the boundless.

Ancient masters of excellence had a subtle essence, and a depth too profound to comprehend.

Heaven's Way gives no favors. It always remains with good people.

When much virtue is achieved, nothing is not overcome.

When everyone sees good, then bad exists.

He (the sage) is good to those who are good. He is also good to those who are not good. That is the virtue of good.

Who has excess and supplies the world? Only the one who follows the Way.

Some have lavish garments, carry sharp swords, and feast on food and drink. They possess more than they can spend. This is called the vanity of robbers. It is certainly not the Way.

People starve. The rulers consume too much with their taxes. That is why people starve.

Searching for precious goods leads astray.

Keeping plenty of gold and jade in the palace makes no one able to defend it.

I have no desire to desire, and people become like the uncarved wood by themselves.