"The best ruler is one whose existence is merely known by the people. The next best is one who is loved and praised. The next is one who is feared. The next is one who is despised."

"The Tao never does anything, yet through it all things are done."

"Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like."

"The greatest villain is the one who tries to do good."

"He (the sage) wants all things to follow their own nature, but dares not act."