Lao Tzu Quotes
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Those who know are not learned. Those who are learned do not know.
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Do not attempt to conquer the world with force, for force only causes resistance.
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By not claiming to be first in the world one can rule.
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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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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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These possessions of a simpleton being the three I choose and cherish: to care, to be fair, to be humble.
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Dualistic thinking is a sickness.
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If you want everything, you first have to give everything up.
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Where there is no conflict, there is no fault.
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. . . Intelligence is not the same thing as wisdom.
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He does not praise himself - yet he is respectable.
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The leader is best, When people are hardly aware of his existence, Not so good when people praise his government, Less good when people stand in fear, Worst, when people are contemptuous. Fail to honor people, and they will fail to honor you. But of a good leader, who speaks little, When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, The people say, 'We did it ourselves.'
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Remember: if you can cease all restless activity, your integral nature will appear.
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Let people return to making knots on ropes, instead of writing.
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Find a teacher who is an integral being, a beacon who extends his light and virtue with equal ease to those who appreciate him and those who don't. Shape yourself in his mold, bathe in his nourishing radiance, and reflect it out to the rest of the world.
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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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Hold on to the ancient Way to master the present, and to learn the distant beginning.
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People who have to fight for their living and are not afraid to die for it are higher persons than those who, stationed high, are too fat to dare to die.
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Conquering the world and changing it, I do not think it can succeed.
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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.