Lao Tzu Quotes
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Sincere words are not fine; fine words are not sincere. Those who are skilled (in the Tao) do not dispute (about it); the disputatious are not skilled in it. Those who know (the Tao) are not extensively learned; the extensively learned do not know it.
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How can one liberate the many? By first liberating his own being. He does this not by elevating himself, but by lowering himself. He lowers himself to that which is simple, modest, true; integrating it into himself, he becomes a master of simplicity, modesty, truth.
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What should be shrunken must first be stretched.
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The world is a sacred vessel that cannot be changed. He who changes it will destroy it. He who seizes it will lose it.
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The (method of) correction shall by a turn become distortion, and the good in it shall by a turn become evil.
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The real art of governing consists, so far as possible, in doing nothing.
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The leader is a teacher who succeeds without taking credit. And, because credit is not taken, credit is received.
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Act without doing; work without effort. Think of the small as large and the few as many. Confront the difficult while it is still easy; accomplish the great task by a series of small acts. The Master never reaches for the great; thus she achieves greatness. When she runs into a difficulty, she stops and gives herself to it. She doesn't cling to her own comfort; thus problems are no problem for her.
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The sage knows without traveling, perceives without looking, completes without acting.
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Filling all the way to the brim is not as good as halting in time.
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Muddy water, let stand, becomes clear.
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Not valuing wealth prevents theft.
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I do not interfere, and people become rich by themselves.
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The Tao's principle is spontaneity.
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Surrender your self-interest. Love others as much as you love yourself. Then you can be entrusted with all things under heaven.
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Moderation means prevention. Prevention means achieving much virtue.
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Heaven's Way gives no favors. It always remains with good people.
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Who can wait in stillness while the mud settles?
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The supreme good is like water, which nourishes all things without trying to. It is content with the low places that people disdain. Thus it is like the Tao. In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present. When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.
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To be brave without compassion, generous without moderation, and rule without refraining from being first in the world, are certain deaths.
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The truly wise are content to be last. They are, therefore, first. They are indifferent to themselves. They are, therefore self-confident.
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A brave and passionate man will kill or be killed. A brave and calm man will always preserve life. Of these two which is good and which is harmful?
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The True Person avoids extremes, self-indulgence, and extravagance.
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The sage acts by doing nothing.