Quotes By Lao Tzu

The sage does not hoard. The more he helps others, the more he benefits himself, The more he gives to others, the more he gets himself. The Way of Heaven does one good but never does one harm. The Way of the sage is to act but not to compete.

The career of a sage is of two kinds: He is either honored by all in the world, Like a flower waving its head, Or else he disappears into the silent forest.

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

Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.

A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.

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.

He who talks more is sooner exhausted.

People in their handlings of affairs often fail when they are about to succeed. If one remains as careful at the end as he was at the beginning, there will be no failure.

He who is contented is rich.

The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither need you do anything but be yourself.

Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.

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.

He who knows himself is enlightened.

Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline; simulated fear postulates courage; simulated weakness postulates strength.

One can not reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others.

When virtue is lost, benevolence appears, when benevolence is lost right conduct appears, when right conduct is lost, expedience appears. Expediency is the mere shadow of right and truth; it is the beginning of disorder.

The words of truth are always paradoxical.

Those who have knowledge, don't predict. Those who predict, don't have knowledge.

He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened.

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.

Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy.

Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt.

He who knows, does not speak. He who speaks, does not know.

Be the chief but never the lord.

All difficult things have their origin in that which is easy, and great things in that which is small.

Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.

The softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the world.

Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment.

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.

Respond intelligently even to unintelligent treatment.