Lao Tzu Quotes
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Displaying riches and titles with pride brings about one's downfall.
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In this world, there is nothing softer or thinner than water. But to compel the hard and unyielding, it has no equal. That the weak overcomes the strong, that the hard gives way to the gentle - this everyone knows. Yet no one asks accordingly.
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The wise man does not lay up treasure. The more he expends on others, the more he gains for himself. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.
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Those who are content suffer no disgrace.
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Things exalted then decay. This is going against the Way. What goes against the Way meets an early end.
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Conduct your triumph as a funeral.
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When the hares have all been caught, the hunting dogs are cooked.
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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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He who has no faith in others shall find no faith in them.
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The sage attends to the belly, and not to what he sees.
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Wise men hear and see as little children do.
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The rigid tree will be felled.
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Those who die without being forgotten get longevity.
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Force is followed by loss of strength. This is not the way of the Tao. That which goes against the Tao comes to an early end.
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The best fighter is never angry.
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A tree that cannot bend will crack in the wind. Thus by nature's own decree, the soft and gentle are triumphant.
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The wise man puts himself last and finds himself first.
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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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Misery is what happiness rests upon. Happiness is what misery lurks beneath.
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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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The separate parts make no carriage.
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The man of knowledge acquires something new everyday, and the man of Tao lets go of something new every day.