Lao Tzu Quotes
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The sage knows himself, but does not parade. He cherishes himself, but does not praise himself.
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Words have divided man from woman, one from another, this from that, until only sages know how to put things together. Without words, without even understanding, lovers find each other. The moment of finding is always a surprise, like meeting an old friend never before known.
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Prepare while it's easy.
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Dualistic thinking is a sickness.
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That so few understand me is why I am treasured.
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Be careful what you water your dreams with. Water them with worry and fear and you will produce weeds that choke the life from your dream. Water them with optimism and solutions and you will cultivate success. Always be on the lookout for ways to turn a problem into an opportunity for success. Always be on the lookout for ways to nurture your dream.
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He does not praise himself - yet he is respectable.
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If you want everything, you first have to give everything up.
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The truth is not always beautiful, nor beautiful words the truth.
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The truly great ones rely on substance, and not on surface, hold on to the fruit, and not to the flower.
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When you realize where you come from, you naturally become tolerant, amused, kindhearted as a grandmother, and dignified as a king. Immersed in wonder, you can deal with whatever life brings you, and when death comes, you are ready.
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In dwelling, be close to the land. In meditation, go deep in the heart. In dealing with others, be gentle and kind. In speech, be true. In ruling, be just. In daily life, be competent. In action, be aware of the time and the season.
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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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Time is a created thing. To say 'I don't have time' is to say 'I don't want to.'
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When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.
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Excellent leaders of people lower themselves.
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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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What is and what is not create each other.
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The value comes from what is there, but the use comes from what is not there.
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Those who know are not learned. Those who are learned do not know.
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He who overcomes others has force; he who overcomes himself is strong.
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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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Who can enjoy enlightenment and remain indifferent to suffering in the world? This is not in keeping with the Way. Only those who increase their service along with their understanding can be called men and women of Tao.
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By not claiming to be first in the world one can rule.