Lao Tzu

Govern a great nation as you would cook a small fish. Do not overdo it.

If the Great Way perishes there will morality and duty. When cleverness and knowledge arise great lies will flourish. When relatives fall out with one another there will be filial duty and love. When states are in confusion there will be faithful servants.

The wicked leader is he who the people despise. The good leader is he who the people revere. The great leader is he who the people say, ‘We did it ourselves.’

Great acts are made up of small deeds.

All difficult things have their origin in that which is easy, and great things in that which is small.

Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish – too much handling will spoil it.

Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.

Silence is a source of great strength.

Because of a great love, one is courageous.