Each paragraph must have a topic sentence. This is the sentence that ties the whole paragraph together. The topic sentence points the reader toward where you are going next. It also helps you, as the writer, to start thinking about what comes next.

A paragraph might begin with reference to the preceding paragraph.

Paragraphs are often centred around a quote or some particular point in the work being discussed.

In this example, the use of nothingness which was discussed in the previous paragraph is used as a transition to the discussion on governance which is covered in the ten sentences of this paragraph.

This paragraph could be summed up as "Lao Tzu's views on governance."

The use of nothing is further developed as Lao Tzu describes the actions of the sage. The sage governs according to Tao. “Do that which consists in taking no action.” This is characterized as wu-wei and it is through this wu-wei that the sage allows the way to flourish in the state. Governance is a prime concern to Lao Tzu as expressed in Tao te ching. One of the prime directives of the book concerns the importance of taking little action while governing. “Governing a large state is like boiling a small fish.” Lao Tzu wants governors to live by the way and therefore bring the way to bear on the nation through example and influence not heavy handed rule. The Way, according to Lao Tzu, also means governing to avoid conflict. “Ensure that even though the people have tools of war for a troop or a batallion they will not use them.”