Whatever is contrary to the Tao will not last long.

~ Lao Tzu

Those who know do not talk.
Those who talk do not know.

Keep your mouth closed.
Guard your senses.
Temper your sharpness.
Simplify your problems.
Mask your brightness.
Be at one with the dust of the earth.
This is primal union.

He who has achieved this state
Is unconcerned with friends and enemies,
With good and harm, with honor and disgrace.
This therefore is the highest state of man.

~Lao-tzu

"Tao just is, and everything gets done.
If leaders could be this way,
People would change by themselves.
If people were compelled by desire,
Their leaders would lead them back
To their original simplicity.
Eventually there would be no desire,
And without desire there is peace.
In this way the world rights itself.
~ Tao Te Ching

Why is the sea king of a hundred streams?
Because it lies below them. Therefore it is
the king of a hundred streams.
If the sage would guide the people, he must
serve with humility. If he would lead them, he
must follow behind. In this way when the sage
rules, the people will not feel oppressed. When
he stands before them, they will not be harmed.
The whole world will support him and will not
tire of him.
Because he does not compete, he does not
meet competition.
- Lao-tzu