Lao Tzu Quotes

Lao Tzu

Profession : Philosopher

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

Lao Tzu

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.

Lao Tzu

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.

Lao Tzu

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.

Lao Tzu

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.'

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.

Lao Tzu

Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy.

Lao Tzu

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

Lao Tzu

If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve.

Lao Tzu

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.

Lao Tzu

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

Lao Tzu

Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.

Lao Tzu

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

Lao Tzu

To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.

Lao Tzu

Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.

Lao Tzu

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

Lao Tzu

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.

Lao Tzu

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

Lao Tzu

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

Lao Tzu

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

Lao Tzu