Lao Tzu Quotes
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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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Those who are right do not argue. Those who argue are not right.
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True words are not pleasing. Pleasing words are not true.
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The ten thousand things flourish and then each returns to the root from which it came. Returning to the root is stillness. Through stillness each fulfils its destiny.
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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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The wise trusts not only to his physical eyes - thus he can see clearly.
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The ancients said: Hulk to be whole.
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If you correct your mind the rest of your life will fall into place.
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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 high must make the low its base.
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That which shrinks must first expand.
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That, which others compress - will widen up and open. That, which others weaken - will strengthen. That, which others destroy - will blossom. Whoever wished to take something from the other, will inevitably loose his own.
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Muddy water, let stand, becomes clear.
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The separate parts make no carriage.
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Because he (the Sage) demands no honor, he will never be dishonored.
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He who possess virtue in abundance may be compared to an infant.
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Those who know do not talk. Those who talk do not know.
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The superior leader keeps informed about everything but interferes hardly at all.
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Holding on to the weak is called strength.
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There is no calamity greater than lightly engaging in war.
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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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To rejoice in conquest is to rejoice in murder.
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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 sturdiest virtue seems fragile.