Lao Tzu Quotes
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The softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the world.
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I observe myself and I come to know others.
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Words spoken about the Way have no taste. When looked at, there's not enough to see. When listened to, there's not enough to hear. When used, it is never exhausted.
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See others as yourself. See families as your family. See towns as your town. See countries as your country. See worlds as your world.
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The more we give to others, the more we are increased.
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If you wish to be out front, then act as if you were behind.
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A violent wind does not outlast the morning; a squall of rain does not outlast the day. Such is the course of Nature. And if Nature herself cannot sustain her efforts long, how much less can man!
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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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To realize that you do not understand is a virtue; Not to realize that you do not understand is a defect.
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Anticipate the difficult by managing the easy.
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If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.
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Dignified, like a guest.
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We put thirty spokes to make a wheel: But it is on the hole in the center that the use of the cart hinges. We make a vessel from a lump of clay; But it is the empty space within the vessel that makes it useful. We make doors and windows for a room; But it is the empty spaces that make the room livable. Thus, while existence has advantages, It is the emptiness that makes it useful.
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He who steals a hook shall be hanged; while he who steals the state shall be crowned as prince.
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Give up your relentless moralizing, the continual pinpricks which pierce the skin of your fellows. The distinction between good and evil is the sickness of the mind. Give up your morals, and the people will regain a love of their fellows.
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Profound virtue is indeed deep and wide. It leads all things back to the great order.
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Simply see that you are at the center of the universe, and accept all things and beings as parts of your infinite body. When you perceive that an act done to another is done to yourself, you have understood the great truth.
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People are difficult to govern because they have too much knowledge.
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Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish - too much handling will spoil it.
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Life is going forth; death is returning home.
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Man takes his law from the Earth; the Earth takes its law from Heaven; Heaven takes its law from the Tao. The law of the Tao is its being what it is.
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He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened.
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The best way to live / is to be like water / For water benefits all things / and goes against none of them.
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The fish cannot leave the deep waters. The state's weaponry should not be displayed.