Lao Tzu Quotes
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When the people of the world all know beauty as beauty, There arises the recognition of ugliness. When they all know the good as good, There arises the recognition of evil.
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Be merciful, moderate, and modest.
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Racing and hunting excite man's heart to madness.
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The most able seems clumsy.
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A good wanderer leaves no trace.
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The best leaders are those their people hardly know exist. The next best is a leader who is loved and praised. Next comes the one who is feared. The worst one is the leader that is despised ... The best leaders value their words, and use them sparingly. When they have accomplished their task, the people say, "Amazing! We did it, all by ourselves!
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I do not act, and people become reformed by themselves.
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When the uncarved wood is split, its parts are put to use. When the sage is put to use, he becomes the head.
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Can you open and close the gate of Heaven and act like a woman?
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The highest virtue is not virtuous. Therefore it has virtue. The lowest virtue holds on to virtue. Therefore it has no virtue.
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Some lose yet gain, others gain and yet lose.
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Those who know do not speak; Those who speak do not know. Stop up the openings, Close down the doors, Rub off the sharp edges. Unravel all confusion. Harmonize the light, Give up contention: This is called finding the unity of life.
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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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When you let go of what you are, you become what you might be.
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Governing a large state is like boiling a small fish.
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Warriors say: I dare not be like the host, but would rather be like the guest. I dare not advance an inch, but would rather retreat a foot.
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A great country needs more people to serve it. A small country needs more people to serve. So, if both shall get what they need, the great country ought to yield.
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To joy in conquest is to joy in the loss of human life.
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I find good people good And I find bad people good If I am good enough.
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In the pursuit of learning, every day something is acquired. In the pursuit of Tao, every day something is dropped.
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Peace and quiet are preferred. Victory should not be praised.
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When men lack a sense of awe, there will be disaster.
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When Simplicity is broken up, it is made into instruments. Evolved individuals who employ them, are made into leaders. In this way, the Great System is United.
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The wise cares about everyone, and he becomes an example to all.