Lao Tzu Quotes
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The usefulness of the pot lies in its emptiness.
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Use justice to rule a country. Use surprise to wage war. Use non-action to govern the world.
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Activity conquers coldness. Stillness conquers heat.
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Thus it is that "Some things are increased by being diminished, others are diminished by being increased." What others have taught, I also teach; verily, I will make it the root of my teaching.
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That the soft overcomes the hard, and the yielding overcomes the resistant, is a fact known by all, but practiced by few.
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When much virtue is achieved, nothing is not overcome.
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The first practice is the practice of undiscriminating virtue: take care of those who are deserving; also, and equally, take care of those who are not. When you extend your virtue in all directions without discriminating, you feet are firmly planted on the path that returns to the Tao.
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A good traveler leaves no tracks. Good speech lacks fault-finding.
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The Tao is like a well; used but never used up.
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Let muddy water stand and it will become clear.
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Attending fully and becoming supple, Can you be as a newborn babe?
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Those who have compassion when they do battle will be victorious. Those who likewise defend themselves will be safe. Heaven will rescue and protect them with compassion.
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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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Act without doing; work without effort. Think of the small as large and the few as many. Confront the difficult while it is still easy; accomplish the great task by a series of small acts. The Master never reaches for the great; thus she achieves greatness. When she runs into a difficulty, she stops and gives herself to it. She doesn't cling to her own comfort; thus problems are no problem for her.
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Once you arrive {at a spontaneous awareness of the Great Oneness}, remember: it isn't necessary to struggle to maintain unity with it. All you have to do is participate in it.
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Loss is not as bad as wanting more.
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You cannot know the body by studying the finger, and you cannot understand the universe by learning one science.
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A follower of the Way (Tao) loses something each day. Loss after loss until arriving at Non Action (Wu Wei).
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Practice non-action. Work without doing.
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By steadily disciplining the animal nature, until it becomes one pointed, it is possible to establish conscious awareness of The Eternal.
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The Master's power is like this. He lets all things come and go effortlessly, without desire. He never expects results; thus he is never disappointed. He is never disappointed; thus his spirit never grows old.
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Because of deep love, one is courageous. Because of frugality, one is generous. Because of not daring to be ahead of the world, one becomes the leader of the world.
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I am at peace, and people become fair by themselves.
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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.