“When the Great Tao (Way or Method) ceased to be observed, benevolence and righteousness came into vogue.”

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

“When men lost their understanding of the Tao, intelligence came along, bringing hypocrisy with it.”

“If we could renounce our benevolence and discard our righteousness, the people would again become filial and kindly.”

“Hence (its way) is near to (that of) the Tao.”

“When the highest type of men hear Tao,They diligently practice it.When the average type of men hear Tao,They half believe in it.When the lowest type of men hear Tao,They laugh heartily at it.Without the laugh, there is no Tao”

“When the great Tao is forgotten,goodness and piety appear.When the body's intelligence declines,cleverness and knowledge step forth.When there is no peace in the family,filial piety begins.When the country falls into chaos,patriotism is born.”