"The universe is a sacred vase. It should not be tampered with."

"Use justice to rule a country. Use surprise to wage war. Use non-action to govern the world."

"To know that you do not know is the best. To think you know when you do not is a disease."

"Therefore even the sage treats some things as difficult. That is why in the end no difficulties can get the better of him."

"When the great Tao is abandoned, there is humanity and righteousness. When wisdom and intelligence appear, there is great hypocrisy."