Lao Tzu Quotes
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The best way to carve is not to split.
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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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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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Obscure, like muddy waters.
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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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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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It is better to do one's own duty, however defective it may be, than to follow the duty of another, however well one may perform it. He who does his duty as his own nature reveals it, never sins.
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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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He who holds balance...has attained the highest post in the world.
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Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline; simulated fear postulates courage; simulated weakness postulates strength.
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Returning to the source is serenity.
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The sage wears clothes of coarse cloth but carries jewels in his bosom; He knows himself but does not display himself; He loves himself but does not hold himself in high esteem.
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One who lives in accordance with nature does not go against the way of things but moves in harmony with the present moment.
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Treat those who are good with goodness, and also treat those who are not good with goodness. Thus goodness is attained. Be honest to those who are honest, and be also honest to those who are not honest. Thus honesty is attained.
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When everyone sees good, then bad exists.
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He who knows others is clever; He who knows himself has discernment.
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When a nation is filled with strife, then do patriots flourish.
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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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New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.
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The feminine values are the fountain of bliss. Know the masculine, Keep to the feminine.
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Weapons are ominous tools. They are abhorred by all creatures. Anyone who follows the Way shuns them.