Lao Tzu Quotes
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Every being in the universe is an expression of the Tao. It springs into existence, unconscious, perfect, free, takes on a physical body, lets circumstances complete it. That is why every being spontaneously honors the Tao. The Tao gives birth to all beings, nourishes them, maintains them, cares for them, comforts them, protects them, takes them back to itself, creating without possessing, acting without expecting, guiding without interfering. That is why love of the Tao is in the very nature of things.
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To know others is to have knowledge. To know yourself is to be enlightened.
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He who possess virtue in abundance may be compared to an infant.
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We hammer wood for a house, but it is the inner space that makes it liveable.
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The best soldier does not attack. The superior fighter succeeds without violence. The greatest conqueror wins without struggle. The most successful manager leads without dictating. This is intelligent non aggressiveness.
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To know you have enough is to be rich.
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Heaven's net is very vast. It is sparsely meshed, yet nothing slips through.
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Build up virtue, and you master all.
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But in the present day men cast off gentleness, and are all for being bold; they spurn frugality, and retain only extravagance; they discard humility, and aim only at being first. Therefore they shall surely perish.
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When people are unsettled, loyal ministers arise.
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A good calculator does not need artificial aids.
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Governing a large state is like boiling a small fish.
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Heaven's Way is like stretching a bow. The high is lowered and the low is raised. Excess is reduced and deficiency is replenished. Heaven's Way reduces excess and replenishes deficiency. People's Way is not so. They reduce the deficient and supply the excessive.
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When Simplicity is broken up, it is made into instruments. Evolved individuals who employ them, are made into leaders. In this way, the Great System is United.
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There is a thing inherent and natural which existed before heaven and earth. Motionless and fathomless, It stands alone and never changes; It pervades everywhere and never becomes exhausted. It may be regarded as the Mother of the Universe. I do not know its name. If I am forced to give It a name, I call it Tao, and I name it as supreme.
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A multitude of words is tiresome, unlike remaining centered.
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If you never assume importance, you never lose it.
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Worlds and particles, bodies and beings, time and space: All are transient expressions of the Tao.
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The people suffer from famine because of the multitude of taxes consumed by their superiors. It is through this that they suffer famine.
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If you correct your mind the rest of your life will fall into place.