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Attain complete emptiness,
Hold fast to stillness.
Understanding the ordinary:
Mind opens.
Mind opening leads to compassion,
Compassion to nobility,
Nobility to heavenliness,
Heavenliness to TAO.
TAO endures.
Your body dies.
There is no danger. -- Lao-Tzu
Some lose yet gain, others gain and yet lose. -- Lao-Tzu
He who devotes himself to the Tao (seeks) from day to day to diminish (his doing). -- Lao-Tzu
When the work is done, and one's name is becoming distinguished, to withdraw into obscurity is the way of Heaven. -- Lao-Tzu
That which is meddling, touching everything, -- Lao-Tzu
The gentlest thing in the world
overcomes the hardest thing in the world.
That which has no substance
enters where there is no space.
This shows the value of non-action.
Teaching without words,
performing without actions:
that is the Master's way. -- Lao-Tzu
Any good person who is motivated to attain awareness of the whole truth should follow the Universal Way to calm his mind and harmonize it with all aspects of life. -- Lao-Tzu
The Way to do is to be. -- Lao-Tzu
Some say that my teaching is nonsense.
Other call it lofty but impractical.
But to those who have looked inside themselves,
this nonsense makes perfect sense.
And to those who put it into practice,
this loftiness has roots that go deep. -- Lao-Tzu
Ruling a large kingdom is like cooking a small fish ... -- Lao-Tzu
When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everyone will respect you. -- Lao-Tzu
The wise person acts but does not take credit. Leads, but does not rule. -- Lao-Tzu
Therefore the sage holds in his embrace the one thing (of humility), and manifests it to all the world. -- Lao-Tzu
When gold and jade fill the hall, their possessor cannot keep them safe. -- Lao-Tzu
If I were suddenly to become known, and (put into a position to) conduct (a government) according to the Great Tao, what I should be most afraid of would be a boastful display. -- Lao-Tzu
When the Great Tao (Way or Method) ceased to be observed, benevolence and righteousness came into vogue. -- Lao-Tzu
The great Tao is universal like a flood ... All creatures depend on it, and it denies nothing to anyone. It does its work, but it makes no claims for itself. It clothes and feeds all, but it does not lord it over them. -- Lao-Tzu
Therefore the sage desires what (other men) do not desire, and does not prize things difficult to get; he learns what (other men) do not learn, and turns back to what the multitude of men have passed by. -- Lao-Tzu
Stop thinking, and end your problems. -- Lao-Tzu
Thus it is that the Great man abides by what is solid, and eschews what is flimsy; dwells with the fruit and not with the flower. -- Lao-Tzu
Evanescent like ice that is melting away; -- Lao-Tzu
Trying to control the future is like trying to take the master carpenter's place. When you handle the master carpenter's tools, chances are that you'll cut your hand. -- Lao-Tzu
Fishes should not be taken from the deep; instruments for the profit of a state should not be shown to the people. -- Lao-Tzu
The ruler attains wholeness in the correct governance of the people. -- Lao-Tzu
To understand the limitation of things, desire them. -- Lao-Tzu
The skilful binder uses no strings or knots, while to unloose what he has bound will be impossible. -- Lao-Tzu
If you would take, you must first give, this is the beginning of intelligence. -- Lao-Tzu
Used gently, and without the touch of pain. -- Lao-Tzu
Do you have the patience to wait until your mud settles and the water is clear? -- Lao-Tzu
A bad man is a good man's job -- Lao-Tzu
What is a good man but a bad man's teacher. What is a bad man but a good man's job. -- Lao-Tzu
Hence the sage puts away excessive effort, extravagance, and easy indulgence. -- Lao-Tzu
Care about people's view and you will be their prisoner -- Lao-Tzu
Life must be poetry, a song, a dance, like a flower on the roadside, blossoming for no one in particular, but spreading its fragrance in the wind, and sending it anywhere. -- Lao-Tzu
Possessing rare treasures brings about harmful behavior. -- Lao-Tzu
Do you imagine the universe is agitated? Go into the desert at night and look at the stars. This practice should answer the question. -- Lao-Tzu
If any one should wish to get the kingdom for himself, and to effect this by what he does, I see that he will not succeed. -- Lao-Tzu
All things return (to their root and disappear), and do not know that it is it which presides over their doing so; - it may be named in the greatest things. -- Lao-Tzu
My teachings are easy to understand
and easy to put into practice.
Yet your intellect will never grasp them,
and if you try to practice them,you'll fail.
My teachings are older than the world.
How can you grasp their meaning?
If you want to know me,
Look inside your heart. -- Lao-Tzu
He who is satisfied with his lot is rich; -- Lao-Tzu
Your own positive future begins in this moment. All you have is right now. Every goal is possible from here. -- Lao-Tzu
Thus it is said:
The path into light seems dark,
the path forward seems to go back,
the direct path seems long,
true power seems weak ...
the greatest love seems indifferent,
the greatest wisdom seems childish. -- Lao-Tzu
With these three qualities, it cannot be made the subject of description; and hence we blend them together and obtain The One. -- Lao-Tzu
True words are not fancy. Fancy words are not true. The good do not debate. Debaters are not good. -- Lao-Tzu
If a country is governed with repression, the people are depressed and crafty. -- Lao-Tzu
He who feels punctured
Must once have been a bubble,
He who feels unarmed
Must have carried arms,
He who feels belittled
Must have been consequential,
He who feels deprived
Must have had privilege. -- Lao-Tzu
Kind prince there is nothing in the realm of ideas that is absolute, therefore all efforts to form ideologies are ultimately futile. -- Lao-Tzu
Accomplish but do not boast, accomplish without show, accomplish without arrogance, accomplish without grabbing, accomplish without forcing. -- Lao-Tzu
Revere the unity of all-that-is
carry out your daily activities with compassion;
if you do not limit your compassion,
you yourself will not be limited. -- Lao-Tzu
Seek not happiness too greedily, and be not fearful of happiness. -- Lao-Tzu
Thirty spokes
Share one hub.
Make the nothing therein appropriate, and you will have the use of the cart. -- Lao-Tzu
Constant action overcomes cold; being still overcomes heat. -- Lao-Tzu
The knowledge of that unchanging rule produces a (grand) capacity and forbearance, and that capacity and forbearance lead to a community (of feeling with all things). -- Lao-Tzu
With those who are kind
the sage is kind
With those who are not kind
the sage is also kind
because the way of Tao is kindness -- Lao-Tzu
The tree which fills the arms grew from the tiniest sprout; the tower of nine storeys rose from a (small) heap of earth; the journey of a thousand li commenced with a single step. -- Lao-Tzu
He who conquers other has force; he who conquers himself has strength. -- Lao-Tzu
He who conquers others is strong;
He who conquers himself is mighty. -- Lao-Tzu
The more laws and restrictions there are,
The poorer people become.
...
The more rules and regulations,
The more thieves and robbers. -- Lao-Tzu
Thus it was that when faith (in the Tao) was deficient (in the rulers) a want of faith in them ensued (in the people). -- Lao-Tzu
He who defends with love will be secure; Heaven will save him, and protect him with love. -- Lao-Tzu
To lead people, you must follow behind. -- Lao-Tzu
Shrinking looked they like those who wade through a stream in winter; -- Lao-Tzu
Thirty spokes share one hub in non-being lies the use of the cart knead clay to make vessels in non-being lies the use of the vessel cut out doors and windows to make a house
therefore form being comes what is usable and from non-being comes what is essential. -- Lao-Tzu
A man with outward courage dares to die; a man with inner courage dares to live. -- Lao-Tzu
Therefore he who would administer the kingdom, honouring it as he honours his own person, may be employed to govern it, and he who would administer it with the love which he bears to his own person may be entrusted with it. -- Lao-Tzu
When superior people hear guidance, they carry it out diligently and ably. When mediocre people hear guidance, it seems vague and uncertain. When lesser people hear guidance, they laugh. -- Lao-Tzu
He who goes on acting with energy has a (firm) will. -- Lao-Tzu
The (state of) vacancy should be brought to the utmost degree, and that of stillness guarded with unwearying vigour. -- Lao-Tzu
Wasting energy to obtain rare objects only impedes one's growth. -- Lao-Tzu
A skilful (commander) strikes a decisive blow, and stops. -- Lao-Tzu
From self-complacency, and therefore he acquires superiority. -- Lao-Tzu
That (the ideas of) height and lowness arise from the contrast of the one with the other; -- Lao-Tzu
If you try to change it, you will ruin it. Try to hold it, and you will lose it. -- Lao-Tzu
Therefore the sages got their knowledge without travelling; -- Lao-Tzu
If you are untrustworthy, people will not trust you. -- Lao-Tzu
From this community of feeling comes a kingliness of character; and he who is king-like goes on to be heaven-like. -- Lao-Tzu
When there is silence one finds the anchor of the universe within oneself -- Lao-Tzu
A man is born into certain relationships and as a result has certain duties. For instance, he has a duty of loyalty to his lord, a filial duty to his parents, a duty to help his friends, and a duty of common humanity towards his fellow beings. -- Lao-Tzu
May not the space between heaven and earth be compared to a bellows? -- Lao-Tzu
You render the small vast and few many,
use integrity to repay hatred,
see the complexity in simplicity,
find the vast in the minute. -- Lao-Tzu
A scholar who cherishes the love of comfort is not fit to be deemed a scholar. -- Lao-Tzu
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. -- Lao-Tzu
No one can insult me, because I do not want respect.
No one can defeat me, because I have given up the idea of winning.
How can you defeat me? You can only defeat someone who wants to win. -- Lao-Tzu
It is the child that sees the primordial secret of Nature and it is the child of ourselves we return to. the child within us is simple and daring enough to live the Secret. -- Lao-Tzu
Water is fluid, soft & yielding but water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield ... what is soft is strong. -- Lao-Tzu
To know that you do not know is the best.
To think you know when you do not is a disease.
Recognizing this disease as a disease is to be free of it. -- Lao-Tzu
He who talks more is sooner exhausted. -- Lao-Tzu
The difficult problems in life always start off being simple. Great affairs always start off being small. -- Lao-Tzu
Trying to understand is like straining through muddy water. Have the patience to wait! Be still and allow the mud to settle. -- Lao-Tzu
Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habit. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny. -- Lao-Tzu
Earth rendered thereby firm and sure; -- Lao-Tzu
If you are depressed you are living in the past.
If you are anxious you are living in the future.
If you are at peace you are living in the present. -- Lao-Tzu
The getting that (favour) leads to the apprehension (of losing it), and the losing it leads to the fear of (still greater calamity): - this is what is meant by saying that favour and disgrace would seem equally to be feared. -- Lao-Tzu
When one gives undivided attention to the (vital) breath, and brings it to the utmost degree of pliancy, he can become as a (tender) babe. -- Lao-Tzu
He will strike the blow, but will be on his guard against being vain or boastful or arrogant in consequence of it. -- Lao-Tzu
For regulating the human (in our constitution) and rendering the (proper) service to the heavenly, there is nothing like moderation. -- Lao-Tzu
In pursuit of knowledge, every day something is acquired. In pursuit of wisdom, every day something is dropped. -- Lao-Tzu
(Then) appeared wisdom and shrewdness, and there ensued great hypocrisy. -- Lao-Tzu
Big trees grow from sprouts, tall buildings rise from mounds of earth; the loftiest heights start at your feet. -- Lao-Tzu
He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened. -- Lao-Tzu
Who thinks his great achievements poor
Shall find his vigour long endure.
Of greatest fulness, deemed a void,
Exhaustion ne'er shall stem the tide.
Do thou what's straight still crooked deem;
Thy greatest art still stupid seem,
And eloquence a stammering scream. -- Lao-Tzu
When a person puts on a show, trying to appear great, their mediocrity is soon exposed. -- Lao-Tzu
When one knows that he is his mother's child, and proceeds to guard (the qualities of) the mother that belong to him, to the end of his life he will be free from all peril. -- Lao-Tzu
At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want. -- Lao-Tzu
Not asserted, therefore known, Not boasted of, therefore of worth, Not contentious, so enduring. It's because the wise do not contend, That no one can contend with them. -- Lao-Tzu
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. -- Lao-Tzu
He who is self-conceited has no superiority allowed to him. -- Lao-Tzu
Gently eliminating all obstacles to his own understanding, he constantly maintains his unconditional sincerity. His humility, perseverance, and adaptability evoke the response of the universe and fill him with divine light. -- Lao-Tzu
There is nothing in the world more soft and weak than water, and yet for attacking things that are firm and strong there is nothing that can take precedence of it; - for there is nothing (so effectual) for which it can be changed. -- Lao-Tzu
Must you value what others value,
avoid what others avoid?
How ridiculous! -- Lao-Tzu
We listen to it, and we do not hear it, and we name it 'the Inaudible. -- Lao-Tzu
It carries them through their processes and does not vaunt its ability in doing so; -- Lao-Tzu
All in the world think themselves great, but the great are not concerned. Indeed, only by not being concerned can they be great. If they cared about being great, they'd eventually become petty. -- Lao-Tzu
The stiff and unyielding are the companions of death, while the yielding and tender are the companions of life. Therefore we see that unbending armies cannot conquer, and the strongest tree feels the axe. The mighty will fall down low, but the humble will rise up. -- Lao-Tzu
We meet it and do not see its Front; we follow it, and do not see its Back. -- Lao-Tzu
Countless words
count less
than the silent balance
between yin and yang -- Lao-Tzu
The way that is bright seems dull. The way forward seems to lead back. The smooth way seems rough. The highest virtue seems a valley. The purest whiteness seems stained. Excessive virtue seems defective. Solid virtue seems inactive. -- Lao-Tzu
He is free from self- display, and therefore he shines; -- Lao-Tzu
Under heaven all can see beauty as beauty only because there is ugliness. All can know good as good only because there is evil. -- Lao-Tzu
But I have heard that he who is skilful in managing the life entrusted to him for a time travels on the land without having to shun rhinoceros or tiger, and enters a host without having to avoid buff coat or sharp weapon. -- Lao-Tzu
The road you can talk about is not the road you can walk on -- Lao-Tzu
To bear and not to own; to act and not lay claim; to do the work and let it go: for just letting it go is what makes it stay. -- Lao-Tzu
Great talents mature slowly. -- Lao-Tzu
Plan for the difficult while it is still easy. The greatest things in the world are done while still slight. So wise leaders never do big things; that's how they achieve greatness. -- Lao-Tzu
Govern a great nation as you would cook a small fish. Do not overdo it. -- Lao-Tzu
Allow the heart to empty itself of all turmoil! Retrieve the utter tranquility of the mind from which you issued.
Although all forms are dynamic,and we all grow and transform,each of us is compelled to return to our root. Our root is quietude. -- Lao-Tzu
If lightning is the anger of the gods, then the gods are concerned mostly about trees. -- Lao-Tzu
Too much brightness blinds the eyes. Too much sound deafens the ears. Too much flavour ruins the tongue. Chasing desires to excess turns your mind towards madness, and valuing precious things impairs good judgment. -- Lao-Tzu
The hard and mighty lie beneath the ground
While the tender and weak dance on the breeze above. -- Lao-Tzu
Learn from the people
Plan with the people
Begin with what they have
Build on what they know
Of the best leaders
When the task is accomplished
The people will remark
We have done it ourselves. -- Lao-Tzu
If I had just a little bit of wisdom I should walk the great path and fear only straying from it. -- Lao-Tzu
If a person seems wicked, do not cast him away. Awaken him with your words, elevate him with your deeds, repay his injury with your kindness. Do not cast him away; cast away his wickedness. -- Lao-Tzu
He who vaunts himself does not find his merit acknowledged; -- Lao-Tzu
Not to show them what is likely to excite their desires is the way to keep their minds from disorder. -- Lao-Tzu
Ambition has one heel nailed in well, though she stretch her fingers to touch the heavens. -- Lao-Tzu
Perfect tranquillity is the way of heaven and earth. -- Lao-Tzu
Misery! - happiness is to be found by its side! -- Lao-Tzu
To lead people, walk beside them. -- Lao-Tzu
If the people must be ever fearful of death, then there will always be an executioner. -- Lao-Tzu
The partial becomes complete; the crooked, straight; the empty, full; the worn out, new. -- Lao-Tzu
To lead the people, walk behind them. -- Lao-Tzu
The reason why the universe is eternal is that it does not live for itself; it gives life to others as it transforms. -- Lao-Tzu
Simplicity without a name
Is free from all external aim.
With no desire, at rest and still,
All things go right as of their will. -- Lao-Tzu
A violent wind does not last for a whole morning; a sudden rain does not last for the whole day. -- Lao-Tzu
We should blunt our sharp points, and unravel the complications of things; we should attemper our brightness, and bring ourselves into agreement with the obscurity of others. -- Lao-Tzu
Boasting of wealth and virtue brings your demise. -- Lao-Tzu
Great acts are made up of small deeds. -- Lao-Tzu
The space between Heaven and Earth
is it not like a bellows? -- Lao-Tzu
Creating without claiming. Doing without taking credit. Guiding without interfering. This is primal virtue. -- Lao-Tzu
The more laws and order are made prominent, the more thieves and robbers there will be. -- Lao-Tzu
Racing and hunting madden our minds. -- Lao-Tzu
Giving birth without possessing,
animating without subjecting,
fostering without dominating. -- Lao-Tzu
Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy. -- Lao-Tzu
To want to rule the world is to want to pamper this body. When you don't prize this body, you don't want to rule the world. -- Lao-Tzu
Moved by deep love, a man is courageous.
And with frugality, a man becomes generous,
And he who does not desire to be ahead of the
world becomes the leader of the world. -- Lao-Tzu
This is a subtle insight: the flexible overcomes the strong and unyielding. -- Lao-Tzu
Govern large countries
like you cook little fish. -- Lao-Tzu
Calm and repose are what he prizes; victory (by force of arms) is to him undesirable. -- Lao-Tzu
A good traveler leaves no tracks. Good speech lacks fault-finding. -- Lao-Tzu
Stand before it and there is no beginning. Follow it and there is no end. Stay with the ancient Tao, Move with the present. -- Lao-Tzu
The Master stays behind; that is why she is ahead. She is detached from all things; that is why she is one with them. Because she has let go of herself, she is perfectly fulfilled. -- Lao-Tzu
I do not concern myself with gods and spirits either good or evil nor do I serve any. -- Lao-Tzu
Heaven and earth do not act from (the impulse of) any wish to be benevolent; they deal with all things as the dogs of grass are dealt with. -- Lao-Tzu
Not to value and employ men of superior ability is the way to keep the people from rivalry among themselves; -- Lao-Tzu
Not-knowing is true knowledge.
Presuming to know is a disease.
First realize that you are sick;
then you can move toward health. -- Lao-Tzu
Obscure as muddied water. But, with stillness, muddy waters clear. Can you also act while remaining still? -- Lao-Tzu
Who can (make) the muddy water (clear)? -- Lao-Tzu
Muddy water, let stand, becomes clear. -- Lao-Tzu
He who, being a man, remains a woman, becomes a universal channel. Eternal virtue will flow through him. He will become a child again. -- Lao-Tzu
If the one did not honour his master, and the other did not rejoice in his helper, an (observer), though intelligent, might greatly err about them. -- Lao-Tzu
Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart and the senses. -- Lao-Tzu
Having arrived at this point of non-action, there is nothing which he does not do. -- Lao-Tzu
Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner. -- Lao-Tzu
The perception of what is small is (the secret of clear- sightedness; the guarding of what is soft and tender is (the secret of) strength. -- Lao-Tzu
The master observes the world but trusts his inner vision. He allows things to come and go. He prefers what is within to what is without. -- Lao-Tzu
When men lost their understanding of the Tao, intelligence came along, bringing hypocrisy with it. -- Lao-Tzu
So it is that some things are increased by being diminished, and others are diminished by being increased. -- Lao-Tzu
When wealth and honours lead to arrogancy, this brings its evil on itself. -- Lao-Tzu
The truth is not always beautiful, nor beautiful words the truth. -- Lao-Tzu
that of the mind is in abysmal stillness; -- Lao-Tzu
But if desire always within us be, -- Lao-Tzu
Therefore the sage seeks to satisfy (the craving of) the belly, and not the (insatiable longing of the) eyes. -- Lao-Tzu
Contentment alone is enough Indeed, the bliss of eternity can be found in your contentment -- Lao-Tzu
How can one know the eternal origin?
By letting go of ideas
and allowing it to reveal itself -- Lao-Tzu
The softest thing in the world dashes against and overcomes the hardest; that which has no (substantial) existence enters where there is no crevice. -- Lao-Tzu
When a nation is filled with strife, then do patriots flourish. -- Lao-Tzu
How know I that it is so with all the beauties of existing things? -- Lao-Tzu
Knowing others is wisdom;
Knowing the self is enlightenment.
Mastering others requires force;
Mastering the self requires strength;
He who knows he has enough is rich.
Perseverance is a sign of will power. -- Lao-Tzu
Because one believes in oneself, one doesn't try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn't need others' approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her. -- Lao-Tzu
A good traveler leaves no tracks. -- Lao-Tzu
The higher the sun ariseth, the less shadow doth he cast; even so the greater is the goodness, the less doth it covet praise; yet cannot avoid its rewards in honours. -- Lao-Tzu
We try to grasp it, and do not get hold of it, and we name it 'the Subtle. -- Lao-Tzu
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. -- Lao-Tzu
Allow your life to unfold naturally Know that it too is a vessel of perfection Just as you breathe in and breathe out Sometimes you're ahead and other times behind Sometimes you're strong and other times weak Sometimes you're with people and other times alone -- Lao-Tzu
Those who do not lose their base endure. Those who die but do not perish have longevity. -- Lao-Tzu
Water is the softest thing, yet it can penetrate mountains and earth. This shows clearly the principle of
softness overcoming hardness. -- Lao-Tzu
There is
a time to live
and a time to die
but never to reject the moment. -- Lao-Tzu
Too many words cause exhaustion
[In the mind or from the mouth]
Better to abide in stillness -- Lao-Tzu
When people see some things as beautiful,
other things become ugly.
When people see some things as good,
other things become bad. -- Lao-Tzu
To know non-knowing is optimal
to imagine one knows
is affliction of mind -- Lao-Tzu
Earth is a divine organism
it cannot be successfully manipulated
Who attempts manipulation will encounter defeat -- Lao-Tzu
Who acts in stillness finds stillness in his life. -- Lao-Tzu
Peace is our original state -- Lao-Tzu
Emptiness appears barren
yet is infinite fullness -- Lao-Tzu
One who practices virtue and selflessness should not hold any particular idea in his mind about how to fulfill his virtue, for virtue is the very nature of one's being. -- Lao-Tzu
For the sage
Heaven and Earth join
in bestowing the greatest gifts -- Lao-Tzu
This is what is called 'The mysterious Quality' (of the Tao). -- Lao-Tzu
When there is this abstinence from action, good order is universal. -- Lao-Tzu
When the people have many weapons, the nation grows more benighted. -- 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. -- Lao-Tzu
When I let go of who I am, I become who I might be. -- Lao-Tzu
No calamity greater than to be discontented with one's lot; -- Lao-Tzu
What calamity is greater than no contentment,
and what flaw greater than the passion for gain. -- Lao-Tzu
What makes me liable to great calamity is my having the body (which I call myself); if I had not the body, what great calamity could come to me? -- Lao-Tzu
Heaven is long-enduring, and earth continues long. The reason why heaven and earth are able to endure and continue thus long is because they do not live of, or for, themselves. -- Lao-Tzu
A man who knows how little he knows is well, a man who knows how much he knows is sick. If, when you see the symptoms, you can tell, Your cure is quick.
A sound man knows that sickness makes him sick and before he catches it his cure is quick. -- Lao-Tzu
The tree too thick to embrace
emerges from a seedling.
A nine-storey tower rises from a brick.
A thousand-mile journey begins under your feet. -- Lao-Tzu
262."Be square but do not cut; be sharp but do not stab; be straight forward but do not unrestrained; be bright but do not dazzle. -- Lao-Tzu
De wijze heeft geen onwrikbare beginselen. Hij past zich aan anderen aan.
(Free translation into English: The wise man has no firm principles. He adapts to others.) -- Lao-Tzu
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. -- Lao-Tzu
he who knows himself is intelligent. -- Lao-Tzu
The Sage sees the world
as an expansion of his own self
So what need has he to accumulate things? -- Lao-Tzu
Truthful words are not beautiful; beautiful words are not truthful. Good words are not persuasive; persuasive words are not good. -- Lao-Tzu
The moral man does something,
and when no one responds
he rolls up his sleeves and uses force. -- Lao-Tzu
He who does not trust enough, Will not be trusted. -- Lao-Tzu
Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it. -- Lao-Tzu
The slaying of multitudes should be mourned with sorrow. A victory should be celebrated with the funeral rite. -- Lao-Tzu
The people starve because those in authority over them devour too many taxes; that is why they starve. -- Lao-Tzu
The Tao is (like) the emptiness of a vessel; and in our employment of it we must be on our guard against all fulness. -- Lao-Tzu
For to be over-developed is to hasten decay, and this is against Tao, and what is against Tao will soon cease to be. -- Lao-Tzu
Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish - too much handling will spoil it. -- Lao-Tzu
All things in the world come from being. And being comes from non-being. -- Lao-Tzu
To consider this desirable would be to delight in the slaughter of men; and he who delights in the slaughter of men cannot get his will in the kingdom. -- Lao-Tzu
If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place. -- Lao-Tzu
When things (in the vegetable world) have displayed their luxuriant growth, we see each of them return to its root. -- Lao-Tzu
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. -- Lao-Tzu
Will work but ill, and disappointment bring. -- Lao-Tzu
One who understands others has knowledge; one who understands himself has wisdom. Mastering others requires force; mastering the self needs strength. -- Lao-Tzu
Your inner being guard, and keep it free. -- Lao-Tzu
Something can be beautiful, if something else is ugly.
Someone can be good, if someone else is bad. -- Lao-Tzu
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. -- Lao-Tzu
An ocean of ink in a single drop,
Trembling at the tip of my brush.
Poised above stark white paper,
A universe waits for existence. -- Lao-Tzu
What the caterpillar calls the end, the rest of the world calls a butterfly. -- Lao-Tzu
That the musical notes and tones become harmonious through the relation of one with another; and that being before and behind give the idea of one following another. -- Lao-Tzu
Three men in ten conserve life; three men in ten pursue death. Three men also in ten desire to live, but there acts hasten their journey to the house of death. Why is this? Because of their efforts to preserve life. -- Lao-Tzu
It brings them to maturity and exercises no control over them; - -- Lao-Tzu
Higher good is like water:
the good in water benefits all,
and does so without contention.
It rests where people dislike to be,
so it is close to the Way.
Good ground;
profound is the good in its heart,
Benevolent the good it bestows. -- Lao-Tzu
Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like. -- Lao-Tzu
The power of intuitive understanding will protect you from harm until the end of your days. -- Lao-Tzu
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. -- Lao-Tzu
Therefore the place of what is firm and strong is below, and that of what is soft and weak is above. -- Lao-Tzu
He who knows, does not speak. He who speaks, does not know. -- Lao-Tzu
The more people have weapons, the more the state is in confusion. -- Lao-Tzu
The work is done, but how no one can see;
'Tis this that makes the power not cease to be. -- Lao-Tzu
Heaven and Earth (under its guidance) unite together and send down the sweet dew, which, without the directions of men, reaches equally everywhere as of its own accord. -- Lao-Tzu
Nature never hurries, yet everything is accomplished -- Lao-Tzu
Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. -- Lao-Tzu
There is no greater illusion than fear,
no greater wrong than preparing to defend yourself,
no greater misfortune than having an enemy. -- Lao-Tzu
The strong wind cannot last the whole morning, the torrential rain cannot last all day. It is nature that causes these things, but even nature cannot cause them to go on forever. If nature cannot do this, then certainly man cannot do so. -- Lao-Tzu
The highest excellence is like (that of) water. -- Lao-Tzu
For the wise man looks into space and he knows there is no limited dimensions. -- Lao-Tzu
Many historians contend that Laozi actually lived in the 4th century BC, which was the period of Hundred Schools of Thought and Warring States Period, while others contend he was a mythical figure. Laozi was credited with -- Lao-Tzu
Pursue that which is not meddlesome. -- Lao-Tzu
They shall wear elegant and ornamented robes, carry a sharp sword at their girdle, pamper themselves in eating and drinking, and have a superabundance of property and wealth; - such (princes) may be called robbers and boasters. -- Lao-Tzu
To know others is wisdom;
To know yourself is enlightenment;
To master others requires force;
To master yourself requires true strength. -- Lao-Tzu
Darkness within darkness. The gateway to all understanding -- Lao-Tzu
There was something undifferentiated and yet complete, which existed before Heaven and Earth. Soundless and formless, it depends on nothing and does not change. It operates everywhere and is free from danger. It may be considered the mother of the universe. I do not know its name; I call it Tao. -- Lao-Tzu
Stop leaving and you will arrive. Stop searching and you will see. Stop running away and you will be found. -- Lao-Tzu
It is better to leave a vessel unfilled, than to attempt to carry it when it is full. -- Lao-Tzu
Just remain in the center; watching. And then forget that you are there. -- Lao-Tzu
The Master is her own physician.
She has healed herself of all knowing.
Thus she is truly whole. -- Lao-Tzu
A skillful soldier is not violent, an able fighter does not rage, a mighty conqueror does not give battle, a great commander is a humble man -- Lao-Tzu
Therefore the sufficiency of contentment is an enduring and unchanging sufficiency. -- Lao-Tzu
155. The secret waits for eyes unclouded by longing. -- Lao-Tzu
The inner is foundation of the outer
The still is master of the restless
The Sage travels all day
yet never leaves his inner treasure -- Lao-Tzu
The person of superior integrity
does not insist upon his integrity.
For this reason, he has integrity.
The person of inferior integrity
never loses sight of his integrity;
For this reason, he lacks integrity. -- Lao-Tzu
As you live, so you die -- Lao-Tzu
The giant tree starts out as the tiniest shoot, the tallest tower starts out as a single brick, the longest journey starts with the first step. -- Lao-Tzu
To avoid disappointment, know what is sufficient. To avoid trouble, know when to stop. If you are able to do this, you will last a long time. -- Lao-Tzu
When we can lay hold of the Tao of old to direct the things of the present day, and are able to know it as it was of old in the beginning, this is called (unwinding) the clue of Tao. -- Lao-Tzu
The sage puts herself last and is first. -- Lao-Tzu
Live in a good place. Keep your mind deep. Treat others well. Stand by your word. Make fair rules. Do the right thing. Work when it's time. -- Lao-Tzu
The Tao is hidden, and has no name; but it is the Tao which is skilful at imparting (to all things what they need) and making them complete. -- Lao-Tzu
Of what, when seen, shall then be told. -- Lao-Tzu
All things under heaven sprang from It as existing (and named); that existence sprang from -- Lao-Tzu
Heaven's net is wide, but its mesh is fine -- Lao-Tzu
The best fighter is never angry. -- Lao-Tzu
Love is a decision - not an emotion! -- Lao-Tzu
The skilful traveller leaves no traces of his wheels or footsteps -- Lao-Tzu
Violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself. -- Lao-Tzu
Hope and fear are both phantoms that arise from thinking of the self. When we don't see the self as self, what do we have to fear? -- Lao-Tzu
We shape clay into a pot, but it is the emptiness inside that holds
whatever we want. -- Lao-Tzu
Those essences the truth enfold -- Lao-Tzu
With a wall all around
A clay bowl is moulded;
But the use of the bowl
Will depend on the part
Of the bowl that is void. -- Lao-Tzu
To know that unchanging rule is to be intelligent; not to know it leads to wild movements and evil issues. -- Lao-Tzu
The softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the world. -- Lao-Tzu
Anticipate the difficult by managing the easy. -- Lao-Tzu
Why do the people starve? It is because those at the top eat too much, and taxes are too high. This is why the people starve. Why are the people difficult to lead? It is because those in authority are meddlesome in their affairs. This is why the people are difficult to lead. -- Lao-Tzu
Very few are aware of the highest. Then comes that which they know and love, -- Lao-Tzu
Having to live on, one knows better than to value life too much. -- Lao-Tzu
Silence is a source of great strenght. -- Lao-Tzu
To hold, you must first open your hand. Let go -- Lao-Tzu
The people are difficult to govern because of the (excessive) agency of their superiors (in governing them). -- Lao-Tzu
The people suffer from famine because of the multitude of taxes consumed by their superiors. -- Lao-Tzu
In the next age they loved them and praised them. -- Lao-Tzu
An ant on the move does more than a dozing ox. -- Lao-Tzu
Free from desire, you realize the mystery
caught in the desire, you see only the manifestations. -- Lao-Tzu
The master dwells in the substantial and not in the superficial. Rests in the fruit and not in the flower. -- Lao-Tzu
From self-boasting, and therefore his merit is acknowledged; -- Lao-Tzu
The sage gives more than he takes;
how can he do this?
because he has the richness of Tao -- Lao-Tzu
The wise consider themselves "orphaned," "widowed," and "worthless." Their humility is the source of their strength. -- Lao-Tzu
Silence is a source of Great Strength. -- Lao-Tzu
Only those who do not use life as a reason for artificialities are intelligently valuing life. -- Lao-Tzu
The ten thousand things rise and fall while the self watches their return. -- Lao-Tzu
Make the earth a dwelling place. Cultivate the heart and mind. Practice benevolence. Stand by your word. Govern with equity. Serve skillfully. Act in a timely way, without contentiousness, free of blame. -- Lao-Tzu
If you become whole, everything will come to you. -- Lao-Tzu
He who has little can only gain, but gain too much and the way will be lost. -- Lao-Tzu
There is no disaster greater than not being content; There is no misfortune greater than being covetous. -- Lao-Tzu
The excellence of water appears in its benefiting all things, and in its occupying, without striving (to the contrary), the low place which all men dislike. -- Lao-Tzu
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. LaoTzu. Just make sure that you step in the right direction. -- Lao-Tzu
He who obtains has little. He who scatters has much. -- Lao-Tzu
f you don't realize the source, you stumble in confusion and sorrow. When you realize where you come from, you naturally become tolerant, disinterested, amused, kindhearted as a grandmother, dignified as a king -- Lao-Tzu
Knowledge is a treasure, but practice is the key to it. -- Lao-Tzu
Life and death are one thread, the same line viewed from different sides. -- Lao-Tzu
Its outer fringe is all that we shall see. -- Lao-Tzu
He who overcomes himself is mighty. -- Lao-Tzu
The master leads
by emptying people's minds
and filling their cores,
by weakening their ambition
and toughening their resolve. -- Lao-Tzu
Action should be taken before a thing has made its appearance; order should be secured before disorder has begun. -- Lao-Tzu
Mastering others is strength. Mastering oneself makes you fearless. -- Lao-Tzu
Knowing constancy is enlightenment. -- Lao-Tzu
So it is that existence and non-existence give birth the one to (the idea of) the other; -- Lao-Tzu
When things are murky, quiet down, and they will gradually clear. Proceed, and momentum gradually builds. -- Lao-Tzu
Laozi was an ancient Chinese philosopher. According to Chinese tradition, Laozi lived in the 6th century BC, however many historians contend that Laozi -- Lao-Tzu
Misery and fortune share a trust.
Happiness hides in misery. -- Lao-Tzu
Time is a created thing. To say 'I don't have time,' is like saying, 'I don't want to. -- Lao-Tzu
The people make light of dying because of the greatness of their labours in seeking for the means of living. -- Lao-Tzu
It is because he is thus free from striving that therefore no one in the world is able to strive with him. -- Lao-Tzu
He who knows he has enough, is rich -- Lao-Tzu
One who is too insistent on his own views, finds few to agree with him. -- Lao-Tzu
And that of (the initiation of) any movement is in its timeliness. -- Lao-Tzu
The (method of) correction shall by a turn become distortion, and the good in it shall by a turn become evil. -- Lao-Tzu
With virtue and quietness one may conquer the world. -- Lao-Tzu
You don't have to go out the door to know what goes on in the world. You don't have to look out the window to see the way of heaven. The farther you go, the less you know. So the wise soul doesn't go, but knows; doesn't look, but sees; doesn't do, but gets it done. -- Lao-Tzu
If you keep feeling a point that has been sharpened, the point cannot long preserve its sharpness. -- Lao-Tzu
An over sharpened sword cannot last long. -- Lao-Tzu
Those who speak do not know.
Those who know do not speak. -- Lao-Tzu
One can not reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others. -- Lao-Tzu
Possessed of the Tao, he endures long; and to the end of his bodily life, is exempt from all danger of decay. -- Lao-Tzu
Therefore, what has a (positive) existence serves for profitable adaptation, and what has not that for (actual) usefulness. -- Lao-Tzu
Peace in Every step -- Lao-Tzu
The door and windows are cut out (from the walls) to form an apartment; but it is on the empty space (within), that its use depends. -- Lao-Tzu
Respond intelligently even to unintelligent treatment. -- Lao-Tzu
The best runner leaves no tracks -- Lao-Tzu
Upon disaster depends good fortune;
within good fortune hides disaster.
Where will it end?
For nothing is certain;
what is correct goes astray;
what is right goes wrong.
Our confusion goes on and on. -- Lao-Tzu
The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither need you do anything but be yourself. -- Lao-Tzu
The first is gentleness; the second is economy; and the third is shrinking from taking precedence of others. -- Lao-Tzu
To Know others is perceptive,
to know yourself is wise.
To conquer others is forceful,
to conquer yourself is strong. -- Lao-Tzu
There is no calamity greater than lavish desires.There is no greater guilt than discontentment.And there is no greater disaster than greed. -- Lao-Tzu
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. -- Lao-Tzu
Do not conquer the world with force, for force only causes resistance. Thorns spring up when an army passes. Years of misery follow a great victory. Do only what needs to be done without using violence. -- Lao-Tzu
The world's most difficult affairs
begin in easiness.
The world's greatest affairs
always begin in the small. -- Lao-Tzu
There is nothing like moderation. -- Lao-Tzu
Keep life and lose those other things; -- Lao-Tzu
The Wise Man is square but not sharp, honest but not not malign, straight but not severe, bright but not dazzling. -- Lao-Tzu
When pure sincerity forms within, it is outwardly realized in other people's hearts. -- Lao-Tzu
It is only by this moderation that there is effected an early return (to man's normal state). -- Lao-Tzu
The name that can be named is not the enduring and unchanging name. -- Lao-Tzu
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. -- Lao-Tzu
The sages do not act from (any wish to be) benevolent; they deal with the people as the dogs of grass are dealt with. -- Lao-Tzu
Every journey begins with a single step. -- Lao-Tzu
If we could renounce our artful contrivances and discard our (scheming for) gain, there would be no thieves nor robbers. -- Lao-Tzu
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. -- Lao-Tzu
Let him keep his mouth closed, and shut up the portals (of his nostrils), and all his life he will be exempt from laborious exertion. -- Lao-Tzu
Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield. As a rule, whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard. This is another paradox: what is soft is strong. -- Lao-Tzu
Loss is not as bad as wanting more. -- Lao-Tzu
Nature does not play favourites, it regards its creations without sentimentality. Therefore the wise person also acts in this way. -- Lao-Tzu
It produces them and does not claim them as its own; -- Lao-Tzu
There is no calamity greater than lightly engaging in war. -- Lao-Tzu
Two names emerge from a single origin and both are called mysterious. -- Lao-Tzu
He who stands on his tiptoes does not stand firm; he who stretches his legs does not walk (easily). -- Lao-Tzu
There is no guilt greater than to sanction ambition; -- Lao-Tzu
If you want to govern the people,
You must place yourself below them.
If you want to lead people,
You must learn how to follow them. -- Lao-Tzu
If you want to lead them you must place yourself behind them. -- Lao-Tzu
If you don't stand sincere by your words
how sincere can the people be?
Take great care over words, treasure them. -- Lao-Tzu
If we could renounce our benevolence and discard our righteousness, the people would again become filial and kindly. -- Lao-Tzu
Thus it is that dignity finds its (firm) root in its (previous) meanness, and what is lofty finds its stability in the lowness (from which it rises). -- Lao-Tzu
If the force of arms is considered the only means of authority, it is not an auspicious instrument. -- Lao-Tzu
It as non-existent (and not named). -- Lao-Tzu
74. If you know when to stop, you'll suffer no harm. And in this way you can last a very long time. -- Lao-Tzu
To lead people, walk beside them ...
As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence.
The next best, the people honor and praise.
The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate ...
When the best leader's work is done the people say,
We did it ourselves! -- Lao-Tzu
When people devote themselves to something
they always ruin it on the verge of success.
Finish with the same care you took in beginning
and you'll avoid ruining things. -- Lao-Tzu
stillness, the ruler of movement. -- Lao-Tzu
Anyone who doesn't respect a teacher or cherish a student may be clever, but has gone astray. -- Lao-Tzu
Seeing our own smallness is called insight, honoring our own tenderness is called strenght. -- Lao-Tzu
Rather than act like the lord of the manor,
I would rather behave like a guest.
Rather than advance an inch,
I would rather retreat a foot. -- Lao-Tzu
The skilful speaker says nothing that can be found fault with or blamed; -- Lao-Tzu
Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt. -- Lao-Tzu
Man's enemies are not demons, but human beings like himself. -- Lao-Tzu
Chanting is no more holy than listening to the murmur of a stream, couting prayer beads no more scared than simply breathing, religious robed no more spiritual than work clothes. -- Lao-Tzu
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. -- Lao-Tzu
The flame that burns Twice as bright burns half as long. -- Lao-Tzu
The Tao that can be described is not the enduring and unchanging Tao. -- Lao-Tzu
How could man rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men? -- Lao-Tzu
Every step is on the path. -- Lao-Tzu
Stop trying to leave, and you shall arrive; stop seeking, and you shall see; stop running away, and you shall be found. -- Lao-Tzu
Let it be still, and it will gradually become clear. -- Lao-Tzu
The skilful closer needs no bolts or bars, while to open what he has shut will be impossible; -- Lao-Tzu
Respond to anger with virtue. Deal with difficulties while they are still easy. Handle the great while it is still small. -- Lao-Tzu
One gains by losing and loses by gaining. -- Lao-Tzu
The masters were said to be profound
because they show the greatest wisdom
when comfortable
in Life's mysterious
and unknown depths -- Lao-Tzu
He who asserts his own views is not distinguished; -- Lao-Tzu
The people are hungry: It is because those in authority eat up too much in taxes. -- Lao-Tzu
When he has cleansed away the most mysterious sights (of his imagination), he can become without a flaw. -- Lao-Tzu
It produces them and makes no claim to the possession of them; -- Lao-Tzu
All in the world know the beauty of the beautiful, and in doing this they have (the idea of) what ugliness is; -- Lao-Tzu
If you search everywhere, yet cannot find what you are seeking, it is because what you seek is already in your possession. -- Lao-Tzu
When the court is arrayed in splendor, The fields are full of weeds, And the granaries are empty. Some wear gorgeous clothes, Carry sharp swords, And indulge in food and drink; They have more possessions than they can use. They are robber barons. This is certainly not the way of Tao. -- Lao-Tzu
With few there is attainment. With much there is confusion. -- Lao-Tzu
If you show yourself, you will not be seen. If you affirm yourself, you will not shine. If you boast, you will have no merit. If you promote yourself, you will have no success. -- Lao-Tzu
Those who know do not talk.
Those who talk do not know. -- Lao-Tzu
Although he may have brilliant prospects to look at, he quietly remains (in his proper place), indifferent to them. -- Lao-Tzu
Heaven which by it is bright and pure; -- Lao-Tzu
Clay is fashioned into vessels; but it is on their empty hollowness, that their use depends. -- Lao-Tzu
If you do not value rare treasures, you will stop others from stealing. -- Lao-Tzu
He does not dare (by continuing his operations) to assert and complete his mastery. -- Lao-Tzu
The ancients were subtle, mysterious, profound, responsive. The depth of their knowledge is unfathomable. Because it is unfathomable, -- Lao-Tzu
Highly evolved people have their own conscience as pure law. -- Lao-Tzu
Only when the state is in disorder is there a need for patriotism. -- Lao-Tzu
So, in their beautiful array, -- Lao-Tzu
The unnamable is the eternally real.
Naming is the origin
of all particular things. -- Lao-Tzu
Be simply yourself and don't compare or compete -- Lao-Tzu
The best of all leaders is the one who helps people so that eventually they don't need him. -- Lao-Tzu
Be the chief but never the lord. -- Lao-Tzu
Go to the people. Live with them. Learn from them. Love them. Start
with what they know. Build with what they have. But with the best
leaders, when the work is done, the task accomplished, the people will
say 'We have done this ourselves. -- Lao-Tzu
(Those who) possessed in highest degree the attributes (of the Tao) did not (seek) to show them, and therefore they possessed them (in fullest measure). -- Lao-Tzu
He who is (ever ready to) speak about it does not know it. -- Lao-Tzu
From self-assertion, and therefore he is distinguished; -- Lao-Tzu
I thought I know you,
but it was only me.
The you that you truly are
is not the you I see.
My mind has formed your image
but you have already travelled on
I want to see only you
but I see you through me -- Lao-Tzu
Man takes his law from the Earth; the Earth takes its law from Heaven; Heaven takes its law from the Tao. The law of the Tao is its being what it is. -- Lao-Tzu
56. Manifest plainness and embrace the genuine; lessen self-interest and make few your desires. -- Lao-Tzu
Express yourself completely. Then keep quiet. Be like the forces of nature; When it blows, there is only wind; When it rains, there is only rain; When the clouds pass, the sun shines through. -- Lao-Tzu
The way is easy stay on the path. -- Lao-Tzu
He who (tries to) govern a state by his wisdom is a scourge to it; while he who does not (try to) do so is a blessing. -- Lao-Tzu
He who acts (with an ulterior purpose) does harm; he who takes hold of a thing (in the same way) loses his hold. -- Lao-Tzu
Things' essences all there endure. -- Lao-Tzu
The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own. -- Lao-Tzu
As soon as you have made a thought, laugh at it. -- Lao-Tzu
The more implements to add to their profit that the people have, the greater disorder is there in the state and clan; -- Lao-Tzu
Nothingness and Beingness are merely conceptions ... -- Lao-Tzu
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. -- Lao-Tzu
Where there is lack of faith, There is a lack of respect. Employ reticence, and care with words. When the work is done and the task complete The people will say: 'It just happened. -- Lao-Tzu
True perfection seems imperfect,
yet it is perfectly itself.
True fullness seems empty,
yet it is fully present.
True straightness seems crooked.
True wisdom seems foolish.
True art seems artless. -- Lao-Tzu
The sage produces without possessing, acts without expectations, and accomplishes without abiding in her accomplishments. It is precisely because she does not abide in them that they never leave her. -- Lao-Tzu
He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough. -- Lao-Tzu
Those who flow as life flows know they need no other force. -- Lao-Tzu
By letting go it all gets done. -- Lao-Tzu
Is it not through her selflessness that she is able to perfect herself? -- Lao-Tzu
Work at things before they've begun
and establish order before confusion sets in,
for a tree you can barely reach around
grows from the tiniest rootlet,
a nine-tiered tower
starts as a basket of dirt,
a thousand-mile journey
begins with a single step. -- Lao-Tzu
Hence (its way) is near to (that of) the Tao. -- Lao-Tzu
Sometimes you must yield in order to win, and sometimes maintaining a low place leads you to win. -- Lao-Tzu
In the next they feared them; in the next they despised them. -- Lao-Tzu
Doing nothing is better than being busy doing nothing. -- Lao-Tzu
It is through their not being full of themselves that they can afford to seem worn and not appear new and complete. -- Lao-Tzu
All difficult things have their origin in that which is easy, and great things in that which is small. -- Lao-Tzu
The pot's use comes from emptiness. -- Lao-Tzu
Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know. -- Lao-Tzu
Close your mouth,
block off your senses,
blunt your sharpness,
untie your knots,
soften your glare,
settle your dust.
This is the primal identity. -- Lao-Tzu
Treat those who are good with goodness, and also treat those who are not good with goodness. Thus goodness is attained. Be honest to those who are honest, and be also honest to those who are not honest. Thus honesty is attained. -- Lao-Tzu
Let him keep his mouth open, and (spend his breath) in the promotion of his affairs, and all his life there will be no safety for him. -- Lao-Tzu
To become learned, each day add something. To become enlightened, each day drop something. -- Lao-Tzu
When reconciling great hatred there will some remain. How can it be made good? Therefore the wise man accepts the debit side of the account and does not have to enforce payment from others. -- Lao-Tzu
Perfection is the willingness to be imperfect. -- Lao-Tzu
Therefore all in the world delight to exalt him and do not weary of him. -- Lao-Tzu
The gentle outlast the strong The obscure outlast the obvious Hence, a fish that ventures from deep water is soon snagged by a net A country that reveals its strength is soon conquered by an enemy -- Lao-Tzu
He who acts, spoils; he who grasps, lets slip. -- Lao-Tzu
A good traveler leaves no track. -- Lao-Tzu
Therefore the sage, while he never does what is great, is able on that account to accomplish the greatest things. -- Lao-Tzu
What is firmly rooted cannot be pulled out. -- Lao-Tzu
(So), he who has the attributes (of the Tao) regards (only) the conditions of the engagement, while he who has not those attributes regards only the conditions favourable to himself. -- Lao-Tzu
The World has a First Cause, which may be regarded as the Mother of the World. When one has found the Mother, one can know the Child. Knowing the Child and still keeping the Mother, to the end of his days he shall suffer no harm. -- Lao-Tzu
And when (one with the highest excellence) does not wrangle (about his low position), no one finds fault with him. -- Lao-Tzu
Those who know don't tell.
Those who tell don't know.
from 56 -- Lao-Tzu
The kingdom is a spirit-like thing, and cannot be got by active doing. -- Lao-Tzu
By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try. The world is beyond the winning. -- Lao-Tzu
The ego is a monkey catapulting through the jungle: fascinated by the realm of the senses it swings from one desire to the next, one conflict to the next. Let this monkey go. Let desires go. Let conflicts go. Let ideas go. Just remain in the center, watching. -- Lao-Tzu
She does not show herself, and therefore is apparent. She does not affirm herself, and therefore is acknowledged. She does not boast and therefore has merit. She does not strive and therefore is successful. It is exactly because she does not contend, that nobody can contend with her. -- Lao-Tzu
unpretentious like wood that has not been fashioned into anything; -- Lao-Tzu
Because of a great love, one is courageous. -- Lao-Tzu
When beauty is defined, illusions of non-beauty manifest
When goodness is identified, badness becomes an option -- Lao-Tzu
And whether a man dispassionately
Sees to the core of life
Or passionately
Sees the surface
They are essentially the same -- Lao-Tzu
(Those who) possessed the highest (sense of) propriety were (always seeking) to show it, and when men did not respond to it, they bared the arm and marched up to them. -- Lao-Tzu
The wise person leads by remaining in the background. -- Lao-Tzu
Ordinary men hate solitude. But the Master makes use of it, embracing his aloneness, realizing he is one with the whole universe. -- Lao-Tzu
Great indeed is the sublimity of the Creative, to which all beings owe their beginning and which permeates all heaven. -- Lao-Tzu
When turmoil rules, go in. -- Lao-Tzu
Wild winds never last all morning
and fierce rains never last all day. -- Lao-Tzu
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. -- Lao-Tzu
With those who are sincere
the sage is sincere
With those who are insincere
the sage is also sincere
because the way of Tao is sincerity -- Lao-Tzu
When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. -- Lao-Tzu
Those who have knowledge, don't predict. Those who predict, don't have knowledge. -- Lao-Tzu
A person who prematurely believes that they comprehend the Tao sees only its external luster, and this is the beginning of delusion. -- Lao-Tzu
Too much thinking causes confusion and anxiety
better to stick with the simplicity of Tao -- Lao-Tzu
All difficult things in the world are sure to arise from a previous state in which they were easy, and all great things from one in which they were small. -- Lao-Tzu
To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. -- Lao-Tzu
Simplicity has no name is free of desires. Being free of desires it is tranquil. And the world will be at peace of it's own accord. -- Lao-Tzu
Material and infinite are inseparable
Appreciating their interconnectedness
is the gateway to understanding -- Lao-Tzu
However grand and high, would all decay. -- Lao-Tzu
The thirty spokes unite in the one nave; but it is on the empty space (for the axle), that the use of the wheel depends. -- Lao-Tzu
Its upper part is not bright, and its lower part is not obscure. -- Lao-Tzu
A man can achieve his own happiness only by pursuing the happiness of others, because it is only by forgetting about his own happiness that he can become happy. -- Lao-Tzu
It might appear to have been before God. -- Lao-Tzu
Scholars of the highest class, when they hear about the Tao, earnestly carry it into practice. -- Lao-Tzu
Whoever knows what is enough Will be happy with his fate. -- Lao-Tzu
(So), he who displays himself does not shine; -- Lao-Tzu
When you accept yourself, the whole world accepts you. -- Lao-Tzu
Let go of rousing speech
and identification with thoughts
Until your end
you will never be jaded -- Lao-Tzu
Do not shine like jade, instead be humble like a rock. -- Lao-Tzu
That difficulty and ease produce the one (the idea of) the other; -- Lao-Tzu
Things form and never know decay. -- Lao-Tzu
Profound it is, dark and obscure; -- Lao-Tzu
Gravity is the root of lightness; -- Lao-Tzu
Heaven's Tao is impartial,
yet those who follow its compassionate way
will always be nourished -- Lao-Tzu
If you give evil nothing to oppose, then virtue will return by itself. -- Lao-Tzu
I will be fond of keeping still, and the people will of themselves become correct. -- Lao-Tzu
To speak little is natural. Therefore a gale does not blow a whole morning nor does a downpour last a whole day. -- Lao-Tzu
The reality of the building does not consist of the roof and walls, but the space within to be lived. -- Lao-Tzu
To live without forcing to overcome without conquering -- Lao-Tzu
Our enemies are not demons, but human beings like ourselves -- Lao-Tzu
A sage traveling all day
is never far from the supplies in his cart,
and however spectacular the views
he remains calm and composed. -- Lao-Tzu
From caring comes courage. -- Lao-Tzu
Know glory but cleave to humiliation. -- Lao-Tzu
In the end,
The treasure of life is missed by those who hold on
and gained by those who let go. -- Lao-Tzu
He who speaks does not know; he who knows does not speak -- Lao-Tzu
Always without desire we must be found, -- Lao-Tzu
In the highest antiquity, (the people) did not know that there were (their rulers). -- Lao-Tzu
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. -- Lao-Tzu
I know hereby what advantage belongs to doing nothing (with a purpose). -- Lao-Tzu
An integral being knows without going, sees without looking, and accomplishes without doing. -- Lao-Tzu
Knowing how to yield is strength -- Lao-Tzu
The difficulty in governing the people arises from their having much knowledge. -- Lao-Tzu
For things sometimes lead and sometimes follow,
sometimes sign and sometimes storm,
sometimes strengthen and sometimes weaken,
sometimes kill and sometimes die. -- Lao-Tzu
The words of truth are always paradoxical. -- Lao-Tzu
Is it not because he has no personal and private ends, that therefore such ends are realised? -- Lao-Tzu
Where the Mystery is the deepest is the gate of all that is subtle and wonderful. -- Lao-Tzu
When the world knows beauty as beauty, ugliness arises. -- Lao-Tzu
The five colors make man's eyes blind, the five notes make his ears deaf, the five tastes injure his palate. -- Lao-Tzu
The grace of Tao
and divine nature (Te)
are not ordered
but eternal spontaneous
action of the One -- Lao-Tzu
One who speaks does not know One who knows does not speak -- Lao-Tzu
The wise man is one who, knows, what he does not know. -- Lao-Tzu
The simple child again, free from all stains. -- Lao-Tzu
Composure is the ruler of instability. -- Lao-Tzu
This is how they are able to continue and endure. -- Lao-Tzu
Gentle flexibility
is the way of the humble master -- Lao-Tzu
There is no illusion greater than fear. -- Lao-Tzu
Anything great is long in making. -- Lao-Tzu
To be worn out is to be renewed. -- Lao-Tzu
Abstaining from speech marks him who is obeying the spontaneity of his nature. -- Lao-Tzu
Music in the soul can be heard by the universe. -- Lao-Tzu
The sage, while clad in homespun, conceals on his person a priceless piece of jade. -- Lao-Tzu
Colors blind the eye
Sounds deafen the ear.
Flavors numb the taste.
Thoughts weaken the mind.
Desires wither the heart. -- Lao-Tzu
When it once has that name, (men) can know to rest in it. When they know to rest in it, they can be free from all risk of failure and error. -- Lao-Tzu
He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still. -- Lao-Tzu
When the highest type of men hear Tao,
They diligently practice it.
When the average type of men hear Tao,
They half believe in it.
When the lowest type of men hear Tao,
They laugh heartily at it.
Without the laugh, there is no Tao -- Lao-Tzu
If you wish to be out front, then act as if you were behind. -- Lao-Tzu
Knowing others is intelligence;
knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength;
mastering yourself is true power. -- Lao-Tzu
If its deep mystery we would sound; -- Lao-Tzu
Tao 'is' before words
and before deeds -- Lao-Tzu
By this (nature of the Tao). -- Lao-Tzu
Because she competes with no one, no one can compete with her. -- Lao-Tzu
To realize that you do not understand is a virtue; Not to realize that you do not understand is a defect. -- Lao-Tzu
Rejects what is more great; -- Lao-Tzu
When I let go what I am, I become what I might be. -- Lao-Tzu
(To illustrate from) the case of all females: - the female always overcomes the male by her stillness. -- Lao-Tzu
When goodness is lost there is morality. -- Lao-Tzu
Manage affairs before they are in a mess. -- Lao-Tzu
Now it is so; 'twas so of old. -- Lao-Tzu
When the intelligent and animal souls are held together in one embrace, they can be kept from separating. -- Lao-Tzu
This returning to their root is what we call the state of stillness; and that stillness may be called a reporting that they have fulfilled their appointed end. -- Lao-Tzu
To lead people walk behind them. -- Lao-Tzu
The sage has in the world an appearance of indecision, and keeps his mind in a state of indifference to all. -- Lao-Tzu
The soft overcomes the hard; and the weak the strong. -- Lao-Tzu
Your life is a piece of clay; don't let anyone else mold it for you. -- Lao-Tzu
Purity and stillness give the correct law to all under heaven. -- Lao-Tzu
The sage shuns excess, shuns grandiosity, shuns arrogance. -- Lao-Tzu
Therefore the sage puts his own person last, and yet it is found in the foremost place; he treats his person as if it were foreign to him, and yet that person is preserved. -- Lao-Tzu
The path into the light seems dark, the path forward seems to go back, the direct path seems long. -- Lao-Tzu
Nature is not human hearted. -- Lao-Tzu
If you try to cut wood like a master carpenter,
you will only hurt your hand. -- Lao-Tzu
The world belongs to those who let go. -- Lao-Tzu
Their work was done and their undertakings were successful, while the people all said, 'We are as we are, of ourselves! -- Lao-Tzu
Therefore a wise prince, marching the whole day, does not go far from his baggage waggons. -- Lao-Tzu
He who is contented is rich. -- Lao-Tzu
There is no greater misfortune than not knowing what is enough. There is no greater fault than the desire to possess. -- Lao-Tzu
Be still
Stillness reveals the secrets of eternity