Lao Tzu Quotes
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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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Knowing that you do not know is the best. Not knowing that you do not know is an illness.
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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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To lead, one must follow.
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Hold on to the ancient Way to master the present, and to learn the distant beginning.
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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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I alone have the mind of a fool, and am all muddled and vague. The people are so smart and bright. While I am just dull and confused.
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Those who advice the ruler on the Way, do not want the world subdued with weapons.
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The reason for great distress is the body. Without it, what distress could there be?
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A good person is the bad person's teacher. A bad person is the good person's task.
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Stop trying to control. Let go of fixed plans and concepts, and the world will govern itself.
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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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He who stands on tiptoe doesn't stand firm. He who rushes ahead doesn't go far. He who tries to shine dims his own light. He who defines himself can't know who he really is. He who has power over others can't empower himself. He who clings to his work will create nothing that endures.
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Learn from the people. Plan with the people. Begin with what they have. Build on what they know.
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The Way is ever nameless.
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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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Simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being. Patient with both friends and enemies, you accord with the way things are. Compassionate toward yourself, you reconcile all beings in the world.
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As soon as rules were made, names were given. There are already many names. One must know when it is enough.
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Not knowing of the eternal leads to unfortunate errors.
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When good thing are accomplished, it does not claim (or name) them. This is Te, which is close in meaning to power or virtue. It is something within a person, and it is enhanced by following the Tao, or 'that from which nothing can deviate'.