The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither need you do anything but be yourself.
Truthful words are not beautiful; beautiful words are not truthful. Good words are not persuasive; persuasive words are not good.
Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.
Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
The sage does not hoard. The more he helps others, the more he benefits himself, The more he gives to others, the more he gets himself. The Way of Heaven does one good but never does one harm. The Way of the sage is to act but not to compete.
Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt.
The career of a sage is of two kinds: He is either honored by all in the world, Like a flower waving its head, Or else he disappears into the silent forest.
From caring comes courage.
At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.
If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.
Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.
Be the chief but never the lord.
A scholar who cherishes the love of comfort is not fit to be deemed a scholar.
When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.
I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.
There was something undifferentiated and yet complete, which existed before Heaven and Earth. Soundless and formless, it depends on nothing and does not change. It operates everywhere and is free from danger. It may be considered the mother of the universe. I do not know its name; I call it Tao.
Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.
Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy.
He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty.
He who is contented is rich.