Quotes By Lao Tzu

To realize that you do not understand is a virtue; Not to realize that you do not understand is a defect.

Truthful words are not beautiful; beautiful words are not truthful. Good words are not persuasive; persuasive words are not good.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.

A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

If you would take, you must first give, this is the beginning of intelligence.

I do not concern myself with gods and spirits either good or evil nor do I serve any.

To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.

Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.

Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart and the senses.

I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.

Govern a great nation as you would cook a small fish. Do not overdo it.

The people are hungry: It is because those in authority eat up too much in taxes.

When a nation is filled with strife, then do patriots flourish.

Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish - too much handling will spoil it.

He who does not trust enough, Will not be trusted.

The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness.

He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty.

Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.

If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve.

In the world there is nothing more submissive and weak than water. Yet for attacking that which is hard and strong nothing can surpass it.

Anticipate the difficult by managing the easy.

Ambition has one heel nailed in well, though she stretch her fingers to touch the heavens.

If the Great Way perishes there will morality and duty. When cleverness and knowledge arise great lies will flourish. When relatives fall out with one another there will be filial duty and love. When states are in confusion there will be faithful servants.

To lead people walk behind them.

Without stirring abroad, One can know the whole world; Without looking out of the window One can see the way of heaven. The further one goes The less one knows.

Of all that is good, sublimity is supreme. Succeeding is the coming together of all that is beautiful. Furtherance is the agreement of all that is just. Perseverance is the foundation of all actions.

For the wise man looks into space and he knows there is no limited dimensions.

In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present.