Lao Tzu Quotes
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The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness.
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To understand the limitation of things, desire them.
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I do not concern myself with gods and spirits either good or evil nor do I serve any.
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It is hidden but always present.
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Truthful words are not beautiful; beautiful words are not truthful. Good words are not persuasive; persuasive words are not good.
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The sage does not hoard. The more he helps others, the more he benefits himself, The more he gives to others, the more he gets himself. The Way of Heaven does one good but never does one harm. The Way of the sage is to act but not to compete.
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The softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the world.
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To become learned, each day add something. To become enlightened, each day drop something.
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Be the chief but never the lord.
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He who knows, does not speak. He who speaks, does not know.
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The usefulness of a pot comes from its emptiness.
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Of the best rulers, The people only know that they exist; the next best they love and praise the next they fear; and the next they revile. When they do not command the people's faith, some will lose faith in them, and then they resort to oaths! But of the best when their task is accomplished, their work done, the people all remark, We have done it ourselves.
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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 superior leader keeps informed about everything but interferes hardly at all.
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People in their handlings of affairs often fail when they are about to succeed. If one remains as careful at the end as he was at the beginning, there will be no failure.
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For the wise man looks into space and he knows there is no limited dimensions.
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Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.
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Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish - too much handling will spoil it.
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How could man rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men?
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If the Great Way perishes there will morality and duty. When cleverness and knowledge arise great lies will flourish. When relatives fall out with one another there will be filial duty and love. When states are in confusion there will be faithful servants.
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Man's enemies are not demons, but human beings like himself.
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Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
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A great nation is like a great man:When he makes a mistake, he realizes it.Having realized it, he admits it.Having admitted it, he corrects it.He considers those who point out his faultsas his most benevolent teachers.He thinks of his enemyas the shadow that he himself casts.
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If you understand others you are smart. If you understand yourself you are illuminated. If you overcome others you are powerful. If you overcome yourself you have strength. If you know how to be satisfied you are rich. If you can act with vigor, you have a will. If you don't lose your objectives you can be long-lasting. If you die without loss, you are eternal.