Lao Tzu Quotes
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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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Can you comprehend everything in the four directions and still do nothing?
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The fish cannot leave the deep waters. The state's weaponry should not be displayed.
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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 best way to live / is to be like water / For water benefits all things / and goes against none of them.
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Governing a large country is like frying a small fish. You spoil it with too much poking. Center your country in the Tao and evil will have no power. Not that it isn't there, but you'll be able to step out of its way. Give evil nothing to oppose and it will disappear by itself.
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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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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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He who accounts all things easy will have many difficulties.
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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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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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The flame that burns Twice as bright burns half as long.
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He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened.
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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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Mask your brightness. Be at one with the dust of the earth. This is primal union.
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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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Those who are right do not argue. Those who argue are not right.
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If you see what is small as it sees itself, and accept what is weak for what strength it has, and use what is dim for the light it gives then all will go well. This is called Acting Naturally.
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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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To understand the limitation of things, desire them.
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The mature person perceives the fruitlessness of rigid, external methodologies; Remembering this, he keeps his attitude unstructured at all times and thus is always free to pursue the Integral Way. He studies the teachings of the masters. He dissolves all concepts of duality. He pours himself out in service to others.