Lao Tzu Quotes
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That which shrinks must first expand.
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When the emperor is crowned or the three dukes are appointed, rather than sending a gift of jade carried by four horses, remain still and offer the Way.
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The Tao is unpredictable to those that live according to plans. Only those who have no agenda are in harmony with the Tao.
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Though (the Tao) is uncreated itself, it creates all things. Because it has no substance, it can enter into where there is no space. Exercising by returning to itself, winning victories by remaining gentle and yielding, it is softer than anything, and therefore overcomes everything hard.
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Perfection is the willingness to be imperfect.
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Those who die without being forgotten get longevity.
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Those who are content suffer no disgrace.
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The wise man puts himself last and finds himself first.
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Holding on to the weak is called strength.
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The Master keeps her mind always at one with the Tao; that is what gives her her radiance. The Tao is ungraspable. How can her mind be at one with it? Because she doesn't cling to ideas. The Tao is dark and unfathomable. How can it make her radiant? Because she lets it. Since before time and space were, the Tao is. It is beyond is and is not. How do I know this is true? I look inside myself and see.
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Heaven's net is very vast. It is sparsely meshed, yet nothing slips through.
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A skillful commander is not overbearing. A skillful fighter does not become angry. A skillful conqueror does not compete with people. One who is skillful in using men puts himself below them. This is called the strength to use men. This is called matching Heaven, The highest principle of old.
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The superior leader keeps informed about everything but interferes hardly at all.
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Conduct your triumph as a funeral.
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Superior leaders get things done with very little motion. They impart instruction not through many words, but through a few deeds. They keep informed about everything but interfere hardly at all. They are catalysts, and though things would not get done as well if they were not there, when they succeed they take no credit. And, because they take no credit, credit never leaves them.
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We join spokes together in a wheel, but it is the center hole that makes the wagon move.
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The softest of stuff in the world, penetrates quickly the hardest, insubstantial, it enters where there is no room.
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There is no calamity greater than lightly engaging in war.
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Muddy water, let stand, becomes clear.
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Fail to honor people, they fail to honor you.