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.

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

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

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.

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

He who knows himself is enlightened.

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

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

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.

Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.