Lao Tzu Quotes
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As long as we have hope, we have direction, the energy to move, and the map to move by. We have a hundred alternatives, a thousand paths and an infinity of dreams. Hopeful, we are halfway to where we want to go; hopeless, we are lost forever.
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Make the small big and the few many.
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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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When the sage stands above people, they are not oppressed. When he leads people, they are not obstructed. The world will exalt him and not grow tired of him.
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If you want to become full, let yourself be empty.
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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 longer you travel, the less you know.
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The Way that can be walked is not the eternal Way.
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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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The superior student listens to the Way and follows it closely. The average student listens to the Way and follows some and some not. The lesser student listens to the Way and laughs out loud. If there were no laughter it would not be the Way.
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If you want everything, you first have to give everything up.
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Let people return to making knots on ropes, instead of writing.
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No misfortune is worse than underestimating the enemy. Underestimating the enemy, I risk losing my treasure.
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The Sage expects no recognition for what he does; he achieves merit but does not take it to himself; he does not wish to display his worth.
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Gently eliminating all obstacles to his own understanding, he constantly maintains his unconditional sincerity. His humility, perseverance, and adaptability evoke the response of the universe and fill him with divine light.
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That so few understand me is why I am treasured.
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Truly, only acting without thought of one's life is superior to valuing one's life.
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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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Can you be still and look inside?If so, then you know the truth is always available, and always responsive.
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Where there is no conflict, there is no fault.
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The reason for great distress is the body. Without it, what distress could there be?
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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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Not knowing of the eternal leads to unfortunate errors.
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I am at peace, and people become fair by themselves.