Lao Tzu Quotes
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Tao invariably takes no action, and yet there is nothing left undone.
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Can you open and close the gate of Heaven and act like a woman?
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You should rule a great country As you would fry a small fish- With the least turning.
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Let people take death seriously, and not travel far.
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The value of actions lies in their timing.
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To lead people, walk beside them ... As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence. The next best, the people honor and praise. The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate ... When the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves!
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The more weapons of violence, the more misery to mankind. The triumph of violence ends in a festival of mourning.
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When two opposing sides meet in battle, the one without an enemy will be victorious.
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A good counter needs no calculator.
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If princes and kings could follow it (Tao), all things would by themselves abide, Heaven and Earth would unite and sweet dew would fall. People would by themselves find harmony, without being commanded.
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If you want to become full, let yourself be empty.
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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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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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Reputation should be neither sought nor avoided.
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Heaven's Way does not contend, yet it certainly triumphs. It does not speak, yet it certainly answers. It does not summon, yet things come by themselves. It seems to be at rest, yet it certainly has a plan.
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Seal the openings, shut the doors, dull the sharpness, untie the knots, dim the light, become one with the dust. This is called the profound union.
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Wear down to be renewed.
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When the intelligent and animal souls are held together in one embrace, they can be kept from separating.
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Prepare while it's easy.
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Failure is the foundation of success: success is the lurking place of failure.
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Eliminate mental muddiness and obscurity; keep your mind crystal clear. Allow your pure original insight to emerge. Quiet your emotions and abide in serenity. Don't go crazy with the worship of idols, images, and ideas; this is like putting a new head on top of the head you already have. Remember: if you can cease all restless activity, your integral nature will appear.
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Other people are occupied, I alone am unwilling, like the outcast.
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The truth is not always beautiful, nor beautiful words the truth.
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Empty your mind of all thoughts. Let your heart be at peace. Watch the turmoil of beings, but contemplate their return.