Lao Tzu Quotes
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The reason why rivers and seas are able to be lords over a hundred mountain streams, is that they know how to keep below them. That is why they are able to reign over all the mountain streams.
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Those who have compassion when they do battle will be victorious. Those who likewise defend themselves will be safe. Heaven will rescue and protect them with compassion.
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When you extend your goodwill in every direction, regardless of circumstances, you begin to see that we are all one.
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The reason why the universe is eternal is that it does not live for itself; it gives life to others as it transforms.
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Take care with the end as you do with the beginning.
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I let go of all desire for the common good, and the good becomes as common as the grass.
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Conquering the world and changing it, I do not think it can succeed.
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Racing through the field and hunting make the mind wild.
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He who gains a victory over other men is strong; but he who gains a victory over himself is all powerful.
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Great talents ripen late; the highest notes are hard to hear.
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The farther you go, the less you know.
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Free from desire, you realize the mystery.
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With virtue and quietness one may conquer the world.
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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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The nameless is the beginning of Heaven and Earth. The named is the mother of all things.
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To rule by knowledge ravages the country.
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There is nothing softer and weaker than water, and yet there is nothing better for attacking hard and strong things.
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The men who are great live with that which is substantial, they do not stay with that which is superficial; they abide with realities, they do not remain with what is showy. The one they discard, the other they hold.
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If you would take, you must first give.
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Follow diligently the Way in your own heart, but make no display of it to the world.
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Knowledge of the eternal is all-embracing. To be all-embracing leads to righteousness, which is majestic.
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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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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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You cannot know the body by studying the finger, and you cannot understand the universe by learning one science.