Lao Tzu Quotes
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He does not struggle with anyone - thus no one can vanquish him.
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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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Can you care for the people and rule the country and not be cunning?
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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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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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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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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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People turn their eyes and ears to him (the sage), and the sage cares for them like his own children.
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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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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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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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It (Tao) is eternally without desire. So, it can be called small. All things return to it, although it does not make itself their ruler. So, it can be called great.
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The most straight seems curved.
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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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Quarrel with a friend - and you are both wrong.
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Just as the value of a house lies in its location, The value of a mind lies in its depth, The value of giving lies in the presence of a generous spirit, The value of words lies in their reliability.
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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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Develop the strength of a man, but live as gently as a woman.
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Other people have more than they need, I alone seem wanting.
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Throw away sacredness and wisdom and people will be one hundred times happier.
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If you want to awaken all of humanity, then awaken all of yourself, if you want to eliminate the suffering in the world, then eliminate all that is negative in yourself. Truly, the greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self-transformation.
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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.