“Taoists don’t avoid what others hate… They only avoid what others fight over, namely flattery and ostentation.”

Chapters: 24. Unnecessary Baggage

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“To perceive shortening in lengthening, weakening in strengthening, toppling in raising, taking in giving, how could anyone do this if not through the deepest insight? This is the hidden light.”

Chapters: 36. The Small, Dark Light

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“Heroes seek fame and merchants seek wealth, even to the point of giving up their lives… But the more wealth they amass, the more they harm what they would truly enrich… The wise know the most precious thing is within themselves so they seek no wealth and encounter no trouble.”

Chapters: 44. Fame and Fortune

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“Those who meet resistance with agreement, toil with relaxation pride with humility, and action with stillness have no enemy. Wherever they go, the conquer.”

Chapters: 69. No Enemy

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“The reason the Tao is esteemed by the world is because it cannot be known or perceived. If it could be known or perceived, why should it be esteemed?... Thus sages wear an embarrassed, foolish expression and seldom show anyone their great and noble virtue.”

Chapters: 70. Inscrutable

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“No self is the Way. Success. Failure. I don’t see how they differ.”

Chapters: 23. Nothing and Not

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“Name and reality are often at odds. The reality of the Tao remains hidden in no name.”

Chapters: 41. Distilled Life

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“Sages… do not act unless they are forced. They do not respond unless they are pushed. They do not rise unless they have to choice. Thus, in their actions, they place themselves behind others.”

Chapters: 66. Go Low

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“All depends on time and occasion, nothing is eternal. Therefore sages act without effort, teach without words, 'good and bad' don't enter their minds.”

Chapters: 2. The Wordless Teachings

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