Lao Tzu Quotes
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The fish cannot leave the deep waters. The state's weaponry should not be displayed.
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Clay is fashioned into vessels; it is on their empty hollowness that their use depends. Doors and windows are cut out to make a dwelling, and on the empty space within, its use depends. Thus, while the existence of things may be good, it is the non-existence in them that makes them serviceable.
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The softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the world.
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Dignified, like a guest.
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The words of truth are always paradoxical. To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.
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Great acts are made up of small deeds.
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He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened.
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If you wish to be out front, then act as if you were behind.
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Water is the softest thing, yet it can penetrate mountains and earth. This shows clearly the principle of softness overcoming hardness.
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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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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 flame that burns Twice as bright burns half as long.
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He who accounts all things easy will have many difficulties.
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Can you comprehend everything in the four directions and still do nothing?
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Because of a great love, one is courageous.
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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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The best way to carve is not to split.
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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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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.
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Weapons are ominous tools. They are abhorred by all creatures. Anyone who follows the Way shuns them.
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If you would take, you must first give, this is the beginning of intelligence.
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Heaven and earth are ruthless, and treat the various creatures as straw dogs; the sage is ruthless, and treats others as straw dogs.
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Highest good is like water. Because water excels in benefiting the myriad creatures without contending with them and settles where none would like to be, it comes closest to the way.
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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.