Lao Tzu Quotes

The softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the world.

He who knows himself is enlightened.

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.

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.

Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.

Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires.

Great acts are made up of small deeds.

I do not concern myself with gods and spirits either good or evil nor do I serve any.

Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment.

Respond intelligently even to unintelligent treatment.

Violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself.

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.

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

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

Because of a great love, one is courageous.

He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty.

The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither need you do anything but be yourself.