Tao Te Ching

All things spring up, and there is not one which declines to show itself; they grow, and there is no claim made for their ownership; they go through their processes, and there is no expectation (of a reward for the results).

ch. 4, Section 1·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

Always without desire we must be found, If its deep mystery we would sound; But if desire always within us be, Its outer fringe is all that we shall see.

Ch. 1, Section 3·philosophy, Wisdom

(Conceived of as) having no name, it is the Originator of heaven and earth; (conceived of as) having a name, it is the Mother of all things.

Ch. 1, Section 2·philosophy, Wisdom

Heaven and earth do not act from (the impulse of) any wish to be benevolent; they deal with all things as the dogs of grass are dealt with.

ch. 4, Section 7·philosophy, Wisdom, leadership

If we could renounce our sageness and discard our wisdom, it would be better for the people a hundredfold.

ch. 4, Section 19·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

The Tao that can be trodden is not the enduring and unchanging Tao. The name that can be named is not the enduring and unchanging name.

Ch. 1, Section 1·philosophy, Wisdom

The thirty spokes unite in the one nave; but it is on the empty space (for the axle), that the use of the wheel depends.

ch. 4, Section 11·philosophy, Wisdom, Nature

When we renounce learning we have no troubles.

ch. 4, Section 20·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

When the work is done, and one's name is becoming distinguished, to withdraw into obscurity is the way of Heaven.

ch. 4, Section 9·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

Where the Mystery is the deepest is the gate of all that is subtle and wonderful.

Ch. 1, Section 4·philosophy, Wisdom