Lao Tzu Quotes
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Sincere words are not fine; fine words are not sincere.
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To realize that our knowledge is ignorance, This is a noble insight. To regard our ignorance as knowledge, This is mental sickness. Only when we are sick of the sickness Shall we cease to be sick. The Sage is not sick, being sick of sickness; This is the secret of health.
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Silence is a source of great strength.
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The people are hungry: It is because those in authority eat up too much in taxes.
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To lead people walk behind them.
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Although most people spend their entire lives following this biological impulse (i.e. the sex drive), it is only a tiny portion of our beings. . . . If we remain obsessed with seeds and eggs, we are married to the fertile reproductive valley of the Mysterious Mother but not to her immeasurable heart and all-knowing mind.
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He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.
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The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
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One can not reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others.
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Violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself.
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A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.
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I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.
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The more laws and order are made prominent, the more thieves and robbers there will be.
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For the wise man looks into space and he knows there is no limited dimensions.
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Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires.
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Let your workings remain a mystery. Just show people the results.
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Respond intelligently even to unintelligent treatment.
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The perfect square lacks corners.
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To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.
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At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.
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Love the whole world as if it were your self; then you will truly care for all things.
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The Way begets one; one begets two; two begets three; three begets the myriad creatures.
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The career of a sage is of two kinds: He is either honored by all in the world, Like a flower waving its head, Or else he disappears into the silent forest.
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Goodness in words creates trust, goodness in thinking creates depth, goodness in giving creates love.