Lao Tzu Quotes
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My own words are not the medicine, but a prescription; not the destination, but a map to help you reach it. When you get there, quiet your mind and close your mouth. Don't analyze the Tao. Strive instead to live it: silently, undividedly, with your whole harmonious being.
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Pounding an edge to sharpness will not make it last.
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Excellent leaders of people lower themselves.
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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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Lay plans for the accomplishment of the difficult before it becomes difficult; make something big by starting with it when small.
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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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Knowing others is wisdom; Knowing the self is enlightenment; Mastering others requires force; Mastering the self needs strength.
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What is and what is not create each other.
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The one who rules like the mother lasts long.
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What man has more than enough and gives it to the world? Only the man of Tao.
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Do not look only at yourself, and you will see much. Do not justify yourself, and you will be distinguished. Do not brag, and you will have merit. Do not be prideful, and your work will endure.
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He who is attached to things will suffer much.
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By not claiming to be first in the world one can rule.
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Watch your thoughts, they become words.
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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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When you extend your goodwill in every direction, regardless of circumstances, you begin to see that we are all one.
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That so few understand me is why I am treasured.
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A winner listens, a loser just waits until it is their turn to talk.
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The sage embraces the one, and is an example to the world.
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Those who boast are not respected.
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He who overcomes others has force; he who overcomes himself is strong.
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In work, do what you enjoy.
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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.
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Care about people's approval and you will be their prisoner.