The Tao Te Ching is a lucid masterpiece on the art of living.

 (Doug Marsh)

The Science of the Essence

A dog acts like a dog, a tree like a tree.
Everything has a substance that is reflected outwardly in some way through specific characteristics.
These qualities are called virtues because they the uncontrived demonstration of the essence.
Te (pronounced 'day') means virtue. 

Awareness

Lao Tzu said that you can know the whole world without leaving your room.
What was he talking about? Awareness, insight, wisdom. 
You do not need to go anywhere else to learn the workings of your own mind or the subtle relationships of your body.

Truth

Truth does not lie on a path, or at the end of a path.
The truth is all around you in every moment of everyday. It is right in front of you. 
Every sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, detail, nuance, facet.
Reality is truth.
Not what you think, but instead what is.
If you walk a thousand miles, do you imagine that this reality, this truth will somehow have changed?

Religion?

Taoism does not require you to believe in anything.
If you look at the Tao in terms of a conventional religion, then you will be immediately confused. 
It is not about anything. It does not worship anything. It does not ask anything of you.

You are not required to preach or promote anything.
There are no special costumes. There are no holy scriptures or holy books.
See where the confusion can lie?If somebody offers to show you the Way, decline their offer.

The Way

http://www.newcastletaichi.co.uk/way.htm