Laozi — "The more laws and ordinances are promulgated, the more thieves and bandits there…"

"The best rulers are those whose existence is barely known by the people."

"The five colors blind the eye. The five notes deafen the ear. The five tastes dull the palate. Racing and hunting madden the mind. Precious goods keep their owners in fetters."

"The higher the sun rises, the less shadow it casts."

"Difficult things in the world must needs have their beginnings in the easy; Big things must needs have their beginnings in the small."

"The sage embraces the One and becomes the model of the world. He does not display himself, therefore he shines. He does not assert himself, therefore he is distinguished. He does not boast, therefore …"