Lao Tzu Quotes

“The most straight seems curved.”

“I alone have the mind of a fool, and am all muddled and vague. The people are so smart and bright. While I am just dull and confused.”

“Whatever is flexible and living will tend to grow; whatever is rigid and blocked will wither and die.”

“Throw away profit and greed, and there won't be any thieves.”

“Those who have hardened, have a covenant with Death. Those who remain gentle are conjoined with Life.”

“The tree which fills the arms grew from the tiniest sprout.”

“When many people are killed, they should be mourned and lamented. Those who are victorious in war should follow the rites of funerals.”

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”

“Fine words are traded. Noble deeds gain respect. But people who are not good, why abandon them?”

“The greatest revelation is stillness.”

“Therefore: In dwelling, choose modest quarters, in thinking, value stillness, in dealing with others, be kind, in choosing words, be sincere, in leading, be just, in working, be competent, in acting, choose the correct timing. Follow these words and there will be no error.”

“When the emperor is crowned or the three dukes are appointed, rather than sending a gift of jade carried by four horses, remain still and offer the Way.”

“When you realize where you come from, you naturally become tolerant, amused, kindhearted as a grandmother, and dignified as a king. Immersed in wonder, you can deal with whatever life brings you, and when death comes, you are ready.”

“Great, it passes on (in constant flow).”

“Only those who leisurely approach that which the masses are busy about can be busy about that which the masses take leisurely.”

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

“Be careful what you water your dreams with. Water them with worry and fear and you will produce weeds that choke the life from your dream. Water them with optimism and solutions and you will cultivate success. Always be on the lookout for ways to turn a problem into an opportunity for success. Always be on the lookout for ways to nurture your dream.”

“The best way to live / is to be like water / For water benefits all things / and goes against none of them.”

“Although he travels all day, the sage never loses sight of his luggage carts.”

“Nurture the spontaneous peaceful life.”

“Those who act will fail. Those who seize will lose.”

“Life is going forth; death is returning home.”

“He (the Sage) does not show off, therefore he shines.”

“To conquer others is to have power, to conquer yourself is to know the way.”

“Nothing and no one in the world is valuable or worthless.”