Lao Tzu Quotes
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Goodness in words creates trust, goodness in thinking creates depth, goodness in giving creates love.
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The perfect square lacks corners.
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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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Stretch the bow to the very full, and you will wish you had stopped in time.
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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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Violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself.
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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.
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The people are hungry: It is because those in authority eat up too much in taxes.
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Without stirring abroad, One can know the whole world; Without looking out of the window One can see the way of heaven. The further one goes The less one knows.
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To lead people walk behind them.
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Respond intelligently even to unintelligent treatment.
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Let your workings remain a mystery. Just show people the results.
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Abandon knowledge and your worries are over.
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The more laws and order are made prominent, the more thieves and robbers there will be.
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To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.
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The wicked leader is he who the people despise. The good leader is he who the people revere. The great leader is he who the people 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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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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When they lose their sense of awe, people turn to religion. When they no longer trust themselves, they begin to depend upon authority. Therefore the Master steps back so that people won't be confused. He teaches without a teaching, so that people will have nothing to learn.
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He who knows himself is enlightened.
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One who is too insistent on his own views, finds few to agree with him.
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There was something undifferentiated and yet complete, which existed before Heaven and Earth. Soundless and formless, it depends on nothing and does not change. It operates everywhere and is free from danger. It may be considered the mother of the universe. I do not know its name; I call it Tao.
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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.