Lao Tzu

Quotes by the sage, Lao Tzu

A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.

The more laws and order are made prominent, the more thieves and robbers there will be.

The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.

Truthful words are not beautiful; beautiful words are not truthful. Good words are not persuasive; persuasive words are not good.

To know yet to think that one does not know is best; Not to know yet to think that one knows will lead to difficulty.

When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.

To realize that you do not understand is a virtue; Not to realize that you do not understand is a defect.

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

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

He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.

Those who have knowledge, don't predict. Those who predict, don't have knowledge.

The people are hungry: It is because those in authority eat up too much in taxes.

Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart and the senses.

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

A scholar who cherishes the love of comfort is not fit to be deemed a scholar.