Lao Tzu Quotes
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He who is able to conquer others is powerful; he who is able to conquer himself is more powerful.
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All things in nature work silently. They come into being and possess nothing. They fulfill their function and make no claim. All things alike do their work, and then we see them subside. When they have reached their bloom, each returns to its origin. . . . This reversion is an eternal law. To know that law is wisdom.
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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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Arms are instruments of ill omen.... When one is compelled to use them, it is best to do so without relish. There is no glory in victory, and to glorify it despite this is to exult in the killing of men.... When great numbers of people are killed, one should weep over them with sorrow. When victorious in war, one should observe mourning rites.
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Fame or integrity: which is more important? Money or happiness: which is more valuable? Success or failure: which is more destructive? If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never truly be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
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Success is as dangerous as failure. Hope is as hollow as fear.
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If there is to be peace in the world, There must be peace in the nations. If there is to be peace in the nations, There must be peace in the cities. If there is to be peace in the cities, There must be peace between neighbors. If there is to be peace between neighbors, There must be peace in the home. If there is to be peace in the home, There must be peace in the heart.
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The sage knows himself, but does not parade. He cherishes himself, but does not praise himself.
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The unyielding army will not win.
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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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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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Use your own light and return to the source of light. This is called practicing eternity.
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In the Universe the difficult things are done as if they were easy.
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I have no desire to desire, and people become like the uncarved wood by themselves.
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The reason for great distress is the body. Without it, what distress could there be?
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The best of all teachers is the one who helps people so that eventually they don't need him.
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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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Those who know do not talk. Those who talk do not know.
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Use the light to return to clarity.
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The sage does not hoard. The more he helps others, the more he benefits himself, Having bestowed all he has on others, he has yet more; having given all he has to others, he is richer still.
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To be learned, add something each day. To be enlightened drop something each day.
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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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Empty your mind of all thoughts.
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He who is attached to things will suffer much.