"The more laws are enacted and taxes assessed, the greater the number of lawbreakers and tax evaders"

"The wise man does not lay his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own."

"Advise the ruler to govern the state as one cooks a small fish - that is, don't turn it so often in the pan that it disintegrates"

"Tao invariably takes no action, and yet there is nothing left undone."

"By accident of fortune a man may rule the world for a time, but by virtue of love he may rule the world forever"

"Music in the soul can be heard by the universe."

"Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy."

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage."

"To lead people, walk beside them... As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence. The next best, the people honor and praise. The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate... When the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves!'"

"The reason why the universe is eternal is that it does not live for itself; it gives life to others as it transforms"

"The supreme excellence is not to win a hundred victories in a hundred battles. The supreme excellence is to subdue the armies of your enemies without even having to fight them."