Lao Tzu Quotes
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A winner listens, a loser just waits until it is their turn to talk.
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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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The sage embraces the one, and is an example to the world.
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He that humbles himself shall be preserved entire. He that bends shall be made straight. He that is empty shall be filled. He that is worn out shall be renewed. He who has little shall succeed. He who has much shall go astray.
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Conquering the world and changing it, I do not think it can succeed.
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When a country is in harmony with the Tao, the factories make trucks and tractors. When a country goes counter to the Tao, warheads are stockpiled outside the cities. There is no greater illusion than fear, no greater wrong than preparing to defend yourself, no greater misfortune than having an enemy. Whoever can see through all fear will always be safe.
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Hold on to the great image, and the whole world follows, follows unharmed, content and completely at peace.
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The Way is the source of all things, good people's treasure and bad people's refuge.
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Therefore the Sage embraces Unity, and is a model for all under Heaven. He is free from self-display, therefore he shines forth; from self-assertion, therefore he is distinguished; from self-glorification, therefore he has merit; from self-exaltation, therefore he rises superior to all. Inasmuch as he does not strive, there is no one in the world who can strive with him.
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Activity conquers coldness. Stillness conquers heat.
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The leader's main job is to make themselves obsolete.
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Stop thinking, and end your problems.
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The Tao doesn't take sides; it gives birth to both good and evil. The Master doesn't take sides; she welcomes both saints and sinners. The Tao is like a bellows: it is empty yet infinitely capable. The more you use it, the more it produces; the more you talk of it, the less you understand. Hold on to the center.
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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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The leader is a teacher who succeeds without taking credit. And, because credit is not taken, credit is received.
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The virtuous carry out the settlement, but those without virtue pursue their claims.
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Cultivate virtue in yourself, and it will be true.
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You cannot receive what you don't give. Outflow determines inflow.
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Praise and disgrace cause fear.
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The more laws and orders are multiplied, the more theft and violence increase.
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Meandering leads to perfection.
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He who is great must make humility his base. He who is high must make lowliness his foundation. Thus, princes and kings in speaking of themselves use the terms "lonely," "friendless," "of small account." Is not this making humility their base?
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The seed of mystery lies in muddy water. How can I perceive this mystery? Water becomes clear through stillness. How can I become still? By flowing with the stream.
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The (method of) correction shall by a turn become distortion, and the good in it shall by a turn become evil.