Laozi — "Act without action. Those who act will fail. Those who seize will lose."

"When the best student hears about the Way, he practices it diligently. When the average student hears about the Way, he is half-hearted. When the worst student hears about the Way, he laughs out loud.…"

"The more laws and ordinances are promulgated, the more thieves and bandits there will be."

"Empty your mind of all thoughts. Let your heart be at peace. Watch the turmoil of the world, but let your serenity remain. Return to the root. This is tranquility. This is returning to your destiny."

"A great nation is like a great man: When he makes a mistake, he realizes it. Having realized it, he admits it. Having admitted it, he corrects it. He considers those who point out his faults as his mo…"

"He who values himself more than the world can be entrusted with the world. He who loves himself more than the world can be charged with the world."