The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name. The nameless is the beginning of heaven and earth. The named is the mother of ten thousand things.

Ever desireless, one can see the mystery. Ever desiring, one sees only the manifestations. These two spring from the same source but differ in name; this appears as darkness. Darkness within darkness. The gate to all mystery.

Beauty and ugliness define each other. Difficult and easy complete each other. Long and short contrast each other. High and low distinguish each other.

Therefore the sage manages affairs without action and spreads doctrines without words. All things arise, and he does not turn away from them. He gives them life but does not own them. He acts but does not claim credit. When his work is done, he lets it go. And because he does not hold on to it, his work lasts forever.