Tao Te Ching

by Lao Tzu

the loud and soft, the before and the after— all are opposites. Each reveals the other.

They are not focused on outcomes or achievements; therefore they always succeed.

A wheel may have thirty spokes, but its usefulness lies in the empty hub. A jar is formed from clay, but its usefulness lies in the empty center. A room is made from four walls, but its usefulness lies in the space between. Matter is necessary to give form, but the value of reality lies in its immateriality. Everything that lives has a physical body, but the value of a life is measured by the soul.

The wise attend to the inner truth of things and are not fooled by outward appearances. They ignore matter and seek the spirit.

Over-concern is just as harmful as disregard.

To clarify muddy waters, you must hold them still and let things settle. To glimpse the secret of the Tao, you must keep still and quiet your mind.

If a ruler lacks faith, so will the people. Unworthy rulers are despised. Common rulers are feared by their subjects. Good rulers win the affection and praise of their subjects. But when great rulers lead, the people are hardly aware of their existence. How carefully wise rulers choose their words; how simple are their actions. Under such a government, the people think they are ruling themselves.

Here are the four fundamentals of true spirituality: recognize simplicity, cherish purity, reduce your possessions, diminish your desires.

Those who know others are intelligent; those who understand themselves are enlightened. Those who can conquer others have force; those who can control themselves are mighty. Those who dare risk death have courage; but those who death cannot destroy are immortal.

The wise do not appear great among others; and so they reveal their true greatness.

It is paradoxical but true— the tender outlasts the rigid; the gentle defeats the strong.

STILLNESS AND SILENCE The soft overcomes the hard; the flexible conquers the stiff; the ethereal penetrates the solid. This is why there is great advantage in stillness and silence over movement and speaking. But few ever obtain the advantage, for few practice stillness and silence.

Not extreme perfection, but purity and clarity are the targets at which we should aim.

the people are best ruled by giving them freedom.

Rivers and seas rule the land by staying below it. Wise rulers, desiring to lead the people, humble themselves and stay below them; wishing to help the people, they stay out of the way. Wise rulers live above without burdening the people; they guide without coercion.

The right thing at one time is the wrong thing at another.

This is why the wise approach everything with both courage and caution.

Do not try to take his place— for if you pick up the carpenter’s sharp tools, you are liable to cut yourself.

but the gentle and flexible belong to life.