Lao Tzu Quotes
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Man's enemies are not demons, but human beings like himself.
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Silence is a source of great strength.
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The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither need you do anything but be yourself.
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Good walking leaves no track behind it.
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Rituals are the end of fidelity and honesty, and the beginning of confusion.
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In the highest antiquity, the people did not know that there were rulers. In the next age they loved them and praised them. In the next they feared them; in the next they despised them.
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So the unwanting soul sees what's hidden, and the ever-wanting soul sees only what it wants.
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When the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves.'
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Clay is moulded to make a vessel, but the utility of the vessel lies in the space where there is nothing. . . . Thus, taking advantage of what is, we recognize the utility of what is not.
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The world's big things only can be done by paying attention to their humble beginnings.
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When people see some things as beautiful, other things become ugly. When people see some things as good, other things become bad. Being and non-being create each other. Difficult and easy support each other. Long and short define each other. High and low depend on each other. Before and after follow each other. Therefore the Master acts without doing anything and teaches without saying anything. Things arise and she lets them come; things disappear and she lets them go. She has but doesn't possess, acts but doesn't expect. When her work is done, she forgets it. That is why it lasts forever.
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Observe how endings become beginnings.
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How could man rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men?
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The usefulness of a pot comes from its emptiness.
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Geese are white, crows are black. No argument will change this.
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The ancient Masters didn't try to educate the people, but kindly taught them to not-know. When they think that they know the answers, people are difficult to guide. When they know that they don't know, people can find their own way. If you want to learn how to govern, avoid being clever or rich. The simplest pattern is the clearest. Content with an ordinary life, you can show all people the way back to their own true nature.
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Cultivate virtue in the world, and it will be universal.
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The sage does not act and therefore does not fail, does not seize and therefore does not lose.
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He who talks more is sooner exhausted.
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For the wise man looks into space and he knows there is no limited dimensions.
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I am wearied, as if I lacked a home to go to.
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When virtue is lost, benevolence appears, when benevolence is lost right conduct appears, when right conduct is lost, expedience appears. Expediency is the mere shadow of right and truth; it is the beginning of disorder.
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The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness.
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If a person seems wicked, do not cast him away. Awaken him with your words, elevate him with your deeds, repay his injury with your kindness. Do not cast him away; cast away his wickedness.