Lao Tzu Quotes
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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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There is nothing softer and weaker than water, and yet there is nothing better for attacking hard and strong things.
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By not claiming to be first in the world one can rule.
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The usefulness of the pot lies in its emptiness.
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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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Free from desire, you realize the mystery, caught in the desire, you see only the manifestations.
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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'.
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If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never be truly fulfilled.
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He who knows enough is enough will always have enough.
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When superior people hear of the Way, they carry it out with diligence. When middling people hear of the Way, it sometimes seems to be there, sometimes not. When lesser people hear of the Way, they ridicule it greatly. If they didn't laugh at it, it wouldn't be the Way.
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To rule by knowledge ravages the country.
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Those who boast are not respected.
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That so few understand me is why I am treasured.
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Where there is no conflict, there is no fault.
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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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I have no desire to desire, and people become like the uncarved wood by themselves.
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The progress of the Way seems retreating.
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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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Abandon wisdom, discard knowledge, and people will benefit a hundredfold.
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Hold on to the ancient Way to master the present, and to learn the distant beginning.
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No thought, no action, no movement, total stillness: only thus can one manifest the true nature and law of things from within and unconsciously, and at last become one with heaven and earth.
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Not-knowing is true knowledge. Presuming to know is a disease. First realize that you are sick; then you can move toward health.
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. . . Intelligence is not the same thing as wisdom.
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The longer you travel, the less you know.