Quotes by Lao Tzu

Life and death are one thread, the same line viewed from different sides.

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

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

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.

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.

Those who have knowledge, dont predict. Those who predict, dont have knowledge.

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.

Be the chief but never the lord.

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.

From caring comes courage.

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.

Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish - too much handling will spoil it.

All difficult things have their origin in that which is easy, and great things in that which is small.

The wicked leader is he who the people despise. The good leader is he who the people revere. The great leader is he who the people say, We did it ourselves.

When a nation is filled with strife, then do patriots flourish.

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

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment.

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