Lao Tzu Quotes
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Thirty spokes meet in the hub. Where a wheel isn't is where it's useful. Hollowed out, clay makes a pot. Where the pots not is where it's useful. Cut doors and windows to make a room. Where the room isn't, there's room for you. So the profit in what is, is in the use of what isn't.
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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 wise man knows he doesn't know.
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Cultivate virtue in the world, and it will be universal.
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He who is contented is rich.
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If you keep feeling a point that has been sharpened, the point cannot long preserve its sharpness.
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I am wearied, as if I lacked a home to go to.
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If you practice inaction, nothing will be left undone: For the way to acquire lordship over society is by invariably not interfering.
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Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.
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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.
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Things flourish, then each returns to its root. Returning to the root is called stillness: Stillness is called return to life, return to life is called the constant; knowing the constant is called enlightenment.
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I confess that there is nothing to teach: no religion, no science, no writings which will lead your mind back to Spirit. Today I speak this way, tomorrow that, but always the Path is beyond words and beyond mind.
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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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He who does not trust enough, Will not be trusted.
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Be the chief but never the lord.
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Good walking leaves no track behind it.
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Excellent conquerors do not engage.
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Those who have knowledge, don't predict. Those who predict, don't have knowledge.
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If a great country yields to a small country, it will conquer the small country. If a small country yields to a great country, it will be conquered by the great country.
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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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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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Observe how endings become beginnings.