Thanks Brink for translating, you were the first one to recognize it as the opening lines to the Tao Te Ching.

道可道非常道, 名可名非常名

Most of far eastern philosophy has either roots or been influenced by the book; even when cultures don't hold Taoist religious principles, there are philosophical points that extend outwards towards Buddhism, several Indian religions, and scientific principles.

I translate it a little differently than you do Brink:

"The way that is known is not the true way", "The name that has meaning is not the true name"

It is the Asian equivalent to Cognito Ergo Sum, "I think, therefore I am"

As I am writing my sci-fi/fantasy story, I am going to be playing with these concepts and maybe throw a few word games at my readers