Lao Tzu Quotes
-
To understand the limitation of things, desire them.
-
He who holds balance...has attained the highest post in the world.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
In the Golden Age, Rulers were unknown. In the following age Rulers were loved and praised. Next came the age When rulers were feared. Finally the age When rulers are hated.
-
The best way to carve is not to split.
-
The flame that burns Twice as bright burns half as long.
-
Prepare for the difficult while it is still easy. Deal with the big while it is still small. Difficult undertakings have always started with what easy. Great undertakings always started with what is small. Therefore the sage never strives for the great,And thereby the great is achieved.
-
The words of truth are always paradoxical. To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.
-
The further one goes, the less (he realizes he) one knows.
-
The wise man looks back into the past, and does not grieve over what is far off, nor rejoice over what is near; for he knows that time is without end.
-
If you would take, you must first give, this is the beginning of intelligence.
-
The best way to live / is to be like water / For water benefits all things / and goes against none of them.
-
Favor and disgrace are like fear. Favor is in a higher place, and disgrace in a lower place. When you win them you are like being in fear, and when you lose them you are also like being in fear. So favor and disgrace are like fear.
-
The best fighter is never angry.
-
Returning to the source is serenity.
-
Mold clay into a bowl. The empty space makes it useful.
-
In order to eliminate the negative influences, simply ignore them.
-
The greatest virtue is to follow the Way utterly.
-
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.
-
Life is going forth; death is returning home.
-
The more sharp weapons people have in a country, the bigger the disorder will be.
-
The great Way is all-pervading. It reaches to the left and to the right. All things depend on it with their existence. Still it demands no obedience.