Quotes By Lao Tzu

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.

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.

Be the chief but never the lord.

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

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

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

Respond intelligently even to unintelligent treatment.

An ant on the move does more than a dozing ox.

The more laws and order are made prominent, the more thieves and robbers there will be.

When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.

He who obtains has little. He who scatters has much.

He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.

Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment.

Man's enemies are not demons, but human beings like himself.

Violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself.

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.

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.

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.

A scholar who cherishes the love of comfort is not fit to be deemed a scholar.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 power of intuitive understanding will protect you from harm until the end of your days.