Lao Tzu Quotes
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Use the light to return to clarity.
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Ever desireless, one can see the mystery. Ever desiring, one can see the manifestations. These two spring from the same source but differ in name; this appears as darkness. Darkness within darkness. The gate to all mystery.
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Abandon fancy theologies and imaginary ideas and do some ordinary daily work... {Engage in this work with} unswerving kindness and unending patience.
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When one gives whatever one can without restraint, the barriers of individuality break down. It no longer becomes possible to tell whether it is the student offering himself to the teacher, or the teacher offering herself to the student. One sees only two immaculate beings, reflecting one another like a pair of brilliant mirrors.
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The master accomplishes more and more by doing less and less until finally he accomplishes everything by doing nothing.
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Without going out-of-doors, one can know all he needs to know. Without even looking out of his window, one can grasp the nature of everything. Without going beyond his own nature, one can achieve ultimate wisdom. Therefore, the intelligent man knows all he needs to know without going away, And sees all he needs to see without looking elsewhere, And does all he needs to do wihout undue exertion.
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What is a good man but a bad man's teacher? What is a bad man but a good man's job? If you do not remember this, You will get lost, No matter how intelligent you are. It is the great secret.
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Solve it before it happens. Order it before chaos emerges.
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In work, do what you enjoy.
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Why did the ancients praise the Way? Did they not say it was because you find what you seek and are saved from your wrongdoings?
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If the majority doesn't laugh at you, beware that you must be saying something wrong. When the majority thinks you are a fool, only then is there some possibility of you being a wise man.
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Those who advice the ruler on the Way, do not want the world subdued with weapons.
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If you can let go of (the Tao) with your mind and surround it with your heart, it will live inside you forever.
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Take care with the end as you do with the beginning.
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Whatever one cultivates, is what one becomes.
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When taxes are too high, people go hungry.
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What has not yet emerged is easy to prevent.
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Free from desire, you realize the mystery.
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Human being's essential nature is perfect and faultless.
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Not-knowing is true knowledge. Presuming to know is a disease. First realize that you are sick; then you can move toward health.
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Leadership is your ability to hide your panic from others.
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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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Kindness in thought leads to wisdom. Kindness in speech leads to eloquence. Kindness in action leads to love.
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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.