“The (state of) vacancy should be brought to the utmost degree, and that of stillness guarded with unwearying vigour.”

“This returning to their root is what we call the state of stillness; and that stillness may be called a reporting that they have fulfilled their appointed end.”

“Your inner being guard, and keep it free.”

“The perception of what is small is (the secret of clear- sightedness; the guarding of what is soft and tender is (the secret of) strength.”

“The Tao is (like) the emptiness of a vessel; and in our employment of it we must be on our guard against all fulness.”

“Those who possessed in highest degree the attributes (of the Tao) did not (seek) to show them, and therefore they possessed them (in fullest measure).”

“the more implements to add to their profit that the people have, the greater disorder is there in the state and clan;”