Lao Tzu Quotes
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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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Freedom from desire leads to inner peace.
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Thirty spokes are joined in the wheel's hub. The hole in the middle makes it useful.
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There is no greater offence than harbouring desires. There is no greater disaster than discontent. There is no greater misfortune than wanting more.
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Some help others in order to receive blessings and admiration. This is simply meaningless. Some cultivate themselves in part to serve others, in part to serve their own pride. They will understand, at best, half of the truth. But those who improve themselves for the sake of the world - to these, the whole truth of the universe will be revealed.
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The sage regards things as difficult, and thereby avoids difficulty.
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The one who rules like the mother lasts long.
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. . . integral wisdom involves a direct participation in every moment: the observer and the observed are dissolved in the light of pure awareness, and no mental concepts or attitudes are present to dim that light.
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A great country needs more people to serve it. A small country needs more people to serve. So, if both shall get what they need, the great country ought to yield.
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That so few understand me is why I am treasured.
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Who can rest until the moment of action?
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The sage knows himself, but does not parade. He cherishes himself, but does not praise himself.
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If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never be truly fulfilled.
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To bear the country's disgrace is to rule the shrines of soil and grain. To bear the country's misfortunes is to be the king of the world.
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When the worst student hears about the Way, he laughs out loud. If he did not laugh, it would be unworthy of being the Way.
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Yielding is the manner of the Way.
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Only he who does not seek to be ahead of others is capable of living in harmony with everyone.
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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.
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Because clarity and enlightenment are within your own nature, they are regained without moving an inch.
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The unyielding army will not win.
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These possessions of a simpleton being the three I choose and cherish: to care, to be fair, to be humble.
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Use your own light and return to the source of light. This is called practicing eternity.
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Abandon wisdom, discard knowledge, and people will benefit a hundredfold.
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Without going outside, you may know the whole world, without looking through the window, you may see the ways of heaven. The farther you go, the less you know. Thus the sage knows without traveling; he sees without looking; he works without doing.