Lao Tzu Quotes
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The sense organs, which are limited in scope and ability, randomly gather information. This partial information is arranged into judgments, which are based on previous judgments, which are usually based on someone else's foolish ideas. These false concepts and ideas are then stored in a highly selective memory system.
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Quarrel with a friend - and you are both wrong.
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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 softest in the world surpasses the hardest in the world.
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Even the longest journey must begin where you stand.
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There is no illusion great than fear.
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The Master acts without doing, and everything gets done.
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The value of actions lies in their timing.
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The Way of Heaven does not complete, and yet it skillfully achieves victory. It does not speak, and yet it skillfully responds to things. It comes to you without your invitation.
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The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal Name.
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To know that you do not know is the best. To pretend to know when you do not know is a disease.
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He who is attached to things will suffer much.
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Why do the people think so little of death? Because the rulers demand too much of life. Therefore the people take death lightly.
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Therefore the stiff and unbending is the disciple of death. The gentle and yielding is the disciple of life.
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Confidence is the greatest friend.
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How do I become still? By flowing with the stream.
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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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Without law or compulsion, men would dwell in harmony.
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Nothing is weaker than water, Yet for overcoming what is hard and strong, Nothing surpasses it.
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Seek not happiness too greedily and be not fearful of happiness.
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Be still. Stillness reveals the secrets of eternity.
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Can you dissolve your ego? Can you abandon the idea of self and other? Can you relinquish the notions of male and female, short and long, life and death? Can you let go of all these dualities and embrace the Tao without skepticism or panic? If so, you can reach the heart of the Integral Oneness.
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He who defends with love will be secure; Heaven will save him, and protect him with love.
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I have three precious things which I hold fast and prize. The first is gentleness; the second frugality; the third is humility, which keeps me from putting myself before others. Be gentle and you can be bold; be frugal and you can be liberal; avoid putting yourself before others and you can become a leader among men.