Lao Tzu

Quotes by the sage, Lao Tzu

If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.

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

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

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

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

One who is too insistent on his own views, finds few to agree with him.

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

How could man rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men?

He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened.

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

He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough.

He who knows, does not speak. He who speaks, does not know.

Man's enemies are not demons, but human beings like himself.

Violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself.

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

Respond intelligently even to unintelligent treatment.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

He who obtains has little. He who scatters has much.

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

An ant on the move does more than a dozing ox.

Anticipate the difficult by managing the easy.

Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.

The words of truth are always paradoxical.

Because of a great love, one is courageous.

Great acts are made up of small deeds.

He who talks more is sooner exhausted.

To see things in the seed, that is genius.

Silence is a source of great strength.

To lead people, walk behind them.

Nature is not human hearted.

Be the chief but never the lord.

He who is contented is rich.