Lao Tzu Quotes
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The grandest virtue seems deficient.
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If people live in constant fear of death, and if breaking the law is punished by death, then who would dare?
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Empty your mind of all thoughts.
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The small is easy to scatter.
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Keep your mouth shut, and close up the doors of sight and sound, and as long as you live you will have no vexation. But open your mouth, or become inquisitive, and you will be in trouble all your life long.
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Why is the sea king of a hundred streams? Because it lies below them... If the sage would guide the people, he must serve with humility. If he would lead them, he must follow behind. In this way when the sage rules, the people will not feel oppressed.
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Other people have more than they need, I alone seem wanting.
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The most straight seems curved.
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Words have divided man from woman, one from another, this from that, until only sages know how to put things together. Without words, without even understanding, lovers find each other. The moment of finding is always a surprise, like meeting an old friend never before known.
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Lightly given promises must meet with little trust.
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If you want everything, you first have to give everything up.
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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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If you worry more for others' beliefs, then you will be their slave.
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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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Be who you are, and go the whole way.
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A vessel is formed from a lump of clay with care, however, it is the empty space within the vessel that makes it useful.
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Intellectual knowledge exists in and of the brain. Because the brain is part of the body, which must one day expire, this collection of facts, however large and impressive, will expire as well. {But spiritual insight transcends death.}
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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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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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Know the white, But keep the black, Be an example to the world! Being an example to the world, Ever true and unwavering, Return to the infinite.
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A winner listens, a loser just waits until it is their turn to talk.
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Quarrel with a friend - and you are both wrong.
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Do you think you can make the world a better place? I do not think you can. It is already perfect.
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Throw away sacredness and wisdom and people will be one hundred times happier.