Lao Tzu Quotes
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Clay is used to make vases, but it is the emptiness they contain that makes them useful.
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In this world, there is nothing softer or thinner than water. But to compel the hard and unyielding, it has no equal. That the weak overcomes the strong, that the hard gives way to the gentle - this everyone knows. Yet no one asks accordingly.
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The higher the sun ariseth, the less shadow doth he cast; even so the greater is the goodness, the less doth it covet praise; yet cannot avoid its rewards in honors.
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When the palace is magnificent, the fields are filled with weeds, and the granaries are empty.
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If princes and kings could follow it (Tao), all things would by themselves abide, Heaven and Earth would unite and sweet dew would fall. People would by themselves find harmony, without being commanded.
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That which offers no resistance, overcomes the hardest substances.
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The rigid and big belong below. The soft and weak belong above.
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Good Government is not intrusive the people are hardly aware of it; the next best is felt yet loved; then comes that which is known and feared; the worst government is hated.
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Your name or your body, what is dearer? Your body or your wealth, what is worthier?
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Yielding, like ice about to melt.
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The Master views the parts with compassion, because he understands the whole. His constant practice is humility. He doesn't glitter like a jewel but lets himself be shaped by the Tao, as rugged and common as a stone.
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Racing and hunting excite man's heart to madness.
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He who loves does not dispute: He who disputes does not love.
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If princes and kings were not exalted they might be overthrown.
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Moderation means prevention. Prevention means achieving much virtue.
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The most eloquent seems to stutter.
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The best people are like water, which benefits all things and does not compete with them. It stays in lowly places that others reject. This is why it is so similar to the Way.
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The scholar gains every day; the man of Tao loses every day.
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Let people take death seriously, and not travel far.
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Empty your mind of all thoughts. Let your heart be at peace. Watch the turmoil of beings, but contemplate their return.