Lao Tzu Quotes
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If you see what is small as it sees itself, and accept what is weak for what strength it has, and use what is dim for the light it gives then all will go well. This is called Acting Naturally.
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When the Way is lost there is virtue. When virtue is lost there is benevolence. When benevolence is lost there is righteousness. When righteousness is lost there are rituals.
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The sage attends to the belly, and not to what he sees.
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Attain utmost emptiness. Abide in steadfast stillness.
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Nature doesn't make long speeches.
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Whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard. What is soft is strong.
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When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.
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The real key to health and happiness and success is self knowledge.
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The sage acts without taking credit. He accomplishes without dwelling on it. He does not want to display his worth.
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He who has no faith in others shall find no faith in them.
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Nothing in the world is more flexible and yielding than water. Yet when it attacks the firm and the strong, none can withstand it, because they have no way to change it. So the flexible overcome the adamant, the yielding overcome the forceful. Everyone knows this, but no one can do it.
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Nature is not human hearted.
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The separate parts make no carriage.
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To consider this desirable would be to delight in the slaughter of men; and he who delights in the slaughter of men cannot get his will in the kingdom.
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The well-run group is not a battlefield of egos.
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If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve.
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In the Golden Age, Rulers were unknown. In the following age Rulers were loved and praised. Next came the age When rulers were feared. Finally the age When rulers are hated.
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The ancients said: Hulk to be whole.
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Wise men hear and see as little children do.
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Yet mystery and imagination arise from the same source. This source is called darkness ... Darkness within darkness, the gateway to all understanding.
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My words have an origin. My deeds have a sovereign. Truly, because people do not understand this, they do not understand me.
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Be humble and you will remain entire. The sages do not display themselves, therefore they shine. They do not approve themselves, therefore they are noted. They do not praise themselves, therefore they have merit. They do not glory in themselves, therefore they excel.
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The superior leader keeps informed about everything but interferes hardly at all.
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Perfection is the willingness to be imperfect.