Lao Tzu Quotes
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Wear down to be renewed.
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Too much success is not an advantage. Do not tinkle like jade Or clatter like stone chimes.
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He who prides himself upon wealth and honor hastens his own downfall.
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The highest benevolence acts without purpose.
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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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The generals have a saying: "Rather than make the first move it is better to wait and see. Rather than advance an inch it is better to retreat a yard." This is called going forward without advancing, pushing back without using weapons. There is no greater misfortune than underestimating your enemy. Underestimating your enemy means thinking that he is evil. Thus you destroy your three treasures and become an enemy yourself. When two great forces oppose each other, the victory will go to the one that knows how to yield.
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Can you gather your vital breath and yet be tender like a newborn baby?
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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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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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A good counter needs no calculator.
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Why separate your spiritual life and your practical life? To an integral being, there is no such distinction.
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When two opposing sides meet in battle, the one without an enemy will be victorious.
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Peace and quiet govern the world.
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How do I know about the world? By what is within me.
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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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He does not feel pity for himself - thus he can successfully develop.
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Nature's way is simple and easy, but men prefer the intricate and artificial.
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(The Tao) is always present and always available. . . . If you are willing to be lived by it, you will see it everywhere, even in the most ordinary things.
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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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Failure is the foundation of success: success is the lurking place of failure.
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Prepare while it's easy.
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What honor can there be without humility? What heights can be reached without being low? The pieces of a chariot are useless unless the work in accordance with the whole A man's life brings nothing unless he lives in accordance with the whole universe Playing one's part in accordance with the universe is true humility So whether you're a gem in the royal court or a stone on the common path If you accept your part with humility the glory of the universe will be yours.
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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. Each separate being in the universe returns to the common source. Returning to the source is serenity. If you don't realize the source, you stumble in confusion and sorrow. When you realize where you come from, you naturally become tolerant, disinterested, amused, kindhearted as a grandmother, dignified as a king. Immersed in the wonder of the Tao, you can deal with whatever life brings you, and when death comes, you are ready.
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Those who are highly evolved, maintain an undiscriminating perception. Seeing everything, labeling nothing, they maintain their awareness of the Great Oneness. Thus they are supported by it.