"I have no desire to desire, and..." - Quote by Lao Tzu

“Meet the big while it is small.”

“Weapons are the tools of violence;all decent men detest them.Weapons are the tools of fear;a decent man will avoid themexcept in the direst necessityand, if compelled, will use themonly with the utmost restraint.Peace is his highest value.If the peace has been shattered,how can he be content?His enemies are not demons,but human beings like himself.He doesn't wish them personal harm.Nor does he rejoice in victory.How could he rejoice in victoryand delight in the slaughter of men?He enters a battle gravely,with sorrow and with great compassion,as if he were attending a funeral”

“Do not look only at yourself, and you will see much. Do not justify yourself, and you will be distinguished. Do not brag, and you will have merit. Do not be prideful, and your work will endure.”

“But I pine in Solitude. Solitude is my undoing.”

“Avarice and Happiness never saw each other, how then should they become acquainted?”

“Wonder is the desire for knowledge.”

“Covetousness is the greatest misfortune. One who does not know what is enough will never have enough.”

“Greatness of spirit is accompanied by simplicity and sincerity.”

“I am savage enough to prefer the woods, the wilds, and the independence of Monticello, to all the brilliant pleasures of this gaycapital [Paris].”