COMMENTS:
“Thus the Sage rules by stilling minds and opening hearts, filling empty bellies and strengthening bones. He shows people how to be simple and live without desires.” (From Verse 3)

“The best way to live is to be like water, for water benefits all things and goes against none of them. It provides for all people and even cleanses those places a man is loath to go. In this way it is just like Tao.” (From Verse 8)

“As you love the people and rule the state, be free of self-interest. Remain as steadfast as a mother bird who sits with her nest. As your wisdom reaches the four corners of the world, can you keep the innocence of a beginner?” (From Verse 10)

“The great ruler speaks little and his words are priceless. He works without self-interest and leaves no trace. When all is finished, the people say: “It happened by itself.” (From Verse 17)

“Those who rule in accordance with Tao do not use force against the world. For that which is forced is likely to return. Where armies settle, Nature offers nothing but briars and thorns. After a great battle has been fought, the land is cursed, the crops fail, and the Earth is stripped of its motherhood. A knower of the Absolute Truth does what is called for then stops. He uses his strength but does not force things. In the same way: complete your task, seek no reward, and make no claims. Without faltering fully choose what you must do. This is to live without forcing, to overcome without conquering. Things that gain a place by force will flourish for a time but then fade away. They are not in keeping with Tao. Whatever is not in keeping with Tao will come to an early end.” (Verse 30)

“Contentment alone is enough. Indeed, the bliss of eternity can be found in your contentment.” (From Verse 46)

“See how magnificent the courts have become… Food and drink overflow, wealth and finery are abound. Yet, in the shadow of all this splendor the fields grow barren, the granaries are all but empty. I say this pomp at the expense of others is like the boasting of thieves after a looting. Surely it is contrary to Tao. Surely it cuts against the grain of the whole nation.” (From Verse 53)

“When the ruler knows his own heart the people are simple and pure. When he meddles with their lives they become restless and disturbed.” (From Verse 58)

“Why do the hundred rivers turn and rush towards the sea? Because it naturally stays below them. He who wishes to rule over the people must speak as if below them. He who wishes to lead the people must walk as if behind them. He should rule over the people but not weigh them down. He must lead the people but not block their way. The Sage stays low so the world never tires of exalting him. He remains a servant to the world, so the world never tires of making him its King.” (Verse 66)

“I have three treasures that I cherish and hold dear: the first is love, the second is moderation, the third is humility. With love one is fearless. With moderation one is abundant. With humility one can fill the highest position. Now if one is fearless but has no love, abundant but has no moderation, rises up but has no humility- Surely he is doomed.” (From Verse 67)

“Why are the people starving? Because their grain is being eaten up by taxes. That’s why they’re starving. Why are the people rebellious? Because those above them meddle with their lives. That’s why they’re rebellious. Why do people regard death so lightly? Because they are so involved with their own living. That’s why they regard death so lightly.” (From Verse 75)

“The essence of my teaching is this: See with original purity, embrace with original simplicity, reduce what you have, decrease what you want.” (From Verse 19)