Lao Tzu Quotes
-
People are difficult to govern because they have too much knowledge.
-
The feminine values are the fountain of bliss. Know the masculine, Keep to the feminine.
-
The fish cannot leave the deep waters. The state's weaponry should not be displayed.
-
Heaven and earth are ruthless, and treat the various creatures as straw dogs; the sage is ruthless, and treats others as straw dogs.
-
When a nation is filled with strife, then do patriots flourish.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline; simulated fear postulates courage; simulated weakness postulates strength.
-
The real key to health and happiness and success is self knowledge.
-
Life is going forth; death is returning home.
-
The best way to carve is not to split.
-
Great acts are made up of small deeds.
-
Without opening your door, you can open your heart to the world. Without looking out your window, you can see the essence of the Tao. The more you know, the less you understand. The Master arrives without leaving, sees the light without looking, achieves without doing a thing.
-
The words of truth are always paradoxical. To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.
-
The flame that burns Twice as bright burns half as long.
-
To understand the limitation of things, desire them.
-
To know yet to think that one does not know is best; Not to know yet to think that one knows will lead to difficulty.
-
The best way to live / is to be like water / For water benefits all things / and goes against none of them.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
He who accounts all things easy will have many difficulties.
-
To consider this desirable would be to delight in the slaughter of men; and he who delights in the slaughter of men cannot get his will in the kingdom.
-
The more sharp weapons people have in a country, the bigger the disorder will be.