Lao Tzu Quotes
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The well-run group is not a battlefield of egos.
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When the ancient Masters said, "If you want to be given everything, give everything up," they weren't using empty phrases. Only in being lived by the Tao can you be truly yourself.
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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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When the hares have all been caught, the hunting dogs are cooked.
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We join spokes together in a wheel, but it is the center hole that makes the wagon move. We shape clay into a pot, but it is the emptiness inside that holds whatever we want. We hammer wood for a house, but it is the inner space that makes it livable. We work with being, but non-being is what we use.
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He who has no faith in others shall find no faith in them.
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Nature doesn't make long speeches.
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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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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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Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men doesn't try to force issues or defeat enemies by force of arms. For every force there is a counterforce. Violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself. The Master does his job and then stops. He understands that the universe is forever out of control, and that trying to dominate events goes against the current of the Tao. Because he believes in himself, he doesn't try to convince others. Because he is content with himself, he doesn't need others' approval. Because he accepts himself, the whole world accepts him.
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Displaying riches and titles with pride brings about one's downfall.
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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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Wise men hear and see as little children do.
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The rigid tree will be felled.
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The sage attends to the belly, and not to what he sees.
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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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The best fighter is never angry.
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The wise man puts himself last and finds himself first.
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Those who die without being forgotten get longevity.
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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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Build up virtue, and you master all.
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The man of knowledge acquires something new everyday, and the man of Tao lets go of something new every day.
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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 highest type of people hear Tao (Truth), they diligently practice it. When the average type of people hear Tao, they half believe in it. When the lowest type of people hear Tao, they laugh at it. If they did not laugh, it would not be Tao.