Lao Tzu Quotes
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The most able seems clumsy.
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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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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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Meet the difficult while it is easy.
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Stillness is easy to maintain.
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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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The female always surpasses the male with stillness. In her stillness she is yielding.
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I find good people good And I find bad people good If I am good enough.
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An integral being knows without going, sees without looking, and accomplishes without doing.
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Can you open and close the gate of Heaven and act like a woman?
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Always without desire we must be found, If its deep mystery we would sound; But if desire always within us be, Its outer fringe is all that we shall see.
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The Master doesn't seek fulfillment. For only those who are not full are able to be used which brings the feeling of completeness.
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Have patience. Wait until the mud settles and the water is clear. Remain unmoving until right action arises by itself.
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The True Person avoids extremes, self-indulgence, and extravagance.
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If the majority doesn't laugh at you, beware that you must be saying something wrong. When the majority thinks you are a fool, only then is there some possibility of you being a wise man.
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Weapons are ominous tools. They are not the noble ruler's tools. He only uses them when he can't avoid it.
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Those who have hardened, have a covenant with Death. Those who remain gentle are conjoined with Life.
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Peace and quiet are preferred. Victory should not be praised.
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Happiness perches on misery. Misery crouches beneath happiness.
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Other people are joyous, like on the feast of the ox, like on the way up to the terrace in the spring. I alone am inert, giving no sign, like a newborn baby who has not learned to smile.
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True words aren't eloquent; eloquent words aren't true. Wise men don't need to prove their point; men who need to prove their point aren't wise. The Master has no possessions. The more he does for others, the happier he is. The more he gives to others, the wealthier he is. The Tao nourishes by not forcing. By not dominating, the Master leads.
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Heaven's Way gives no favors. It always remains with good people.
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If there is to be peace in the home, There must be peace in the heart.
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The great Way is easy, yet people prefer the side paths. Be aware when things are out of balance. Stay centered within the Tao.