“The way is easy stay on the path.”

“The great Tao (or way) is very level and easy; but people love the by-ways.”

“The path into the light seems dark, the path forward seems to go back, the direct path seems long.”

“Every step is on the path.”

“Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity.”

“Thus it is said:The path into the light seems dark,the path forward seems to go back,the direct path seems long,true power seems weak,true purity seems tarnished,true steadfastness seems changeable,true clarity seems obscure,the greatest are seems unsophisticated,the greatest love seems indifferent,the greatest wisdom seems childish.The Tao is nowhere to be found.Yet it nourishes and completes all things.”

“Hence the sage puts away excessive effort, extravagance, and easy indulgence.”