Lao Tzu Quotes
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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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Stay at the center and let all things take their course.
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The Tao is like a well; used but never used up.
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True words are not pleasing. Pleasing words are not true.
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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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The best fighter is never angry.
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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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Success is as dangerous as failure. Hope is as hollow as fear.
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Don't impose your will through manipulation of aggressive emotions and actions.
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A vessel is formed from a lump of clay with care, however, it is the empty space within the vessel that makes it useful.
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The softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the world. Through this I know the advantage of taking no action.
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The one who is conscious (in Tao) can't speak. The one who can speak is not conscious (centered in Tao)
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Though tightly the net of words forms, how surely truth slips out.
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Nature does not have to insist.
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If you want to know me, look inside your heart.
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Take care of what is difficult while it is still easy, and deal with what will become big while it is yet small.
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The Master acts without doing, and everything gets done.
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Yielding is the manner of the Way.
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No weapon is sharper than will.
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The wise does not think that only he is right -thus he knows the truth.
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My own words are not the medicine, but a prescription; not the destination, but a map to help you reach it. When you get there, quiet your mind and close your mouth. Don't analyze the Tao. Strive instead to live it: silently, undividedly, with your whole harmonious being.
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The softest in the world surpasses the hardest in the world.
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How do I become still? By flowing with the stream.
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Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.