Lao Tzu Quotes
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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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That which shrinks must first expand.
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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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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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Those who are right do not argue. Those who argue are not right.
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He who possess virtue in abundance may be compared to an infant.
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The ancients said: Hulk to be whole.
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Holding on to the weak is called strength.
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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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Weapons are the tools of violence;all decent men detest them.Weapons are the tools of fear;a decent man will avoid themexcept in the direst necessityand, if compelled, will use themonly with the utmost restraint.Peace is his highest value.If the peace has been shattered,how can he be content?His enemies are not demons,but human beings like himself.He doesn't wish them personal harm.Nor does he rejoice in victory.How could he rejoice in victoryand delight in the slaughter of men?He enters a battle gravely,with sorrow and with great compassion,as if he were attending a funeral.
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If you want to shrink something, you must first allow it to expand. If you want to get rid of something, you must first allow it to flourish. If you want to take something, you must first allow it to be given. This is called the subtler perception of the way things are. The soft overcomes the hard. The slow overcomes the fast. Let your workings remain a mystery. Just show people the results.
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Because he (the Sage) demands no honor, he will never be dishonored.
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ALL things in Nature work silently. They come into being and possess nothing. They fulfil their functions and make no claim.
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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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Those who know are wise. Those who know themselves are enlightened.
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The superior leader keeps informed about everything but interferes hardly at all.
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To rejoice in conquest is to rejoice in murder.
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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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The sturdiest virtue seems fragile.
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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 weak overcomes the strong. The soft overcomes the hard. Everybody in the world knows this, still nobody makes use of it.
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To know others is to have knowledge. To know yourself is to be enlightened.