Laozi — "The greatest villain is the one who tries to do good."

"The sage is sharp but does not cut, pointed but does not pierce, forthright but does not offend, bright but does not dazzle."

"Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish. You spoil it with too much poking."

"Truthful words are not always beautiful; beautiful words are not always truthful."

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

"The great square has no corners. The great vessel is never full. The great sound is inaudible. The great image has no form."