Lao Tzu Quotes
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Whatever one cultivates, is what one becomes.
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Cultivate virtue in yourself, and it will be true.
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When people see some things as good, other things become bad.
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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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Those who defeat others are strong, those who defeat themselves are mighty.
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Those who show off do not shine.
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Men are born soft and supple; dead, they are stiff and hard. Plants are born tender and pliant; dead, they are brittle and dry. Thus whoever is stiff and inflexible is a disciple of death. Whoever is soft and yielding is a disciple of life. The hard and stiff will be broken. The soft and supple will prevail.
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The Tao is like a well; used but never used up.
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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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Why is the sea king of a hundred streams? Because it lies below them... If the sage would guide the people, he must serve with humility. If he would lead them, he must follow behind. In this way when the sage rules, the people will not feel oppressed.
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He who overcomes others has force; he who overcomes himself is strong.
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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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How do I become still? By flowing with the stream.
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What is well rooted cannot be pulled up. What is firmly grasped will not slip loose. It will be honoured from generation to generation.
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The sage wears coarse clothes, concealing jade.
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One's own self or material goods, which has more worth? Loss (of self) or possession (of goods), which is the greater evil? He who loves most, spends most, He who hoards much loses much.
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The Tao gives birth to One. One gives birth to yin and yang. Yin and yang give birth to all things... The complete whole is the complete whole. So also is any part the complete whole... But forget about understanding and harmonizing and making all things one. The universe is already a harmonious oneness; just realize it.
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How do I know about the world? By what is within me.
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A great country is like the lower outlet of a river. It is the world's meeting ground, the world's female.
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Use justice to rule a country. Use surprise to wage war. Use non-action to govern the world.