“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.”

“What the caterpillar calls the end, the rest of the world calls a butterfly.”

“When things (in the vegetable world) have displayed their luxuriant growth, we see each of them return to its root.”

“All things return (to their root and disappear), and do not know that it is it which presides over their doing so;—it may be named in the greatest things.”

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

“Allow the heart to empty itself of all turmoil! Retrieve the utter tranquility of the mind from which you issued.Although all forms are dynamic,and we all grow and transform,each of us is compelled to return to our root. Our root is quietude.”

“They shall wear elegant and ornamented robes, carry a sharp sword at their girdle, pamper themselves in eating and drinking, and have a superabundance of property and wealth;—such (princes) may be called robbers and boasters.”