All things in the world come from being. And being comes from non-being.
— Lao Tzu
Sincere words are not fine; fine words are not sincere.
The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao; the name that can be named is not the eternal name. The Nameless is the origin of Heaven and Earth; the Named is the mother of all things.
At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.
I do not concern myself with gods and spirits either good or evil nor do I serve any.
He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty.
He who is contented is rich.
He who knows himself is enlightened.
How could man rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men?
To lead people walk behind them.
In the world there is nothing more submissive and weak than water. Yet for attacking that which is hard and strong nothing can surpass it.
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.
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.
Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline; simulated fear postulates courage; simulated weakness postulates strength.
He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened.
To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.
In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present.
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.
If you keep feeling a point that has been sharpened, the point cannot long preserve its sharpness.
Without stirring abroad, One can know the whole world; Without looking out of the window One can see the way of heaven. The further one goes The less one knows.
One can not reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others.
If you would take, you must first give, this is the beginning of intelligence.
Respond intelligently even to unintelligent treatment.
Anticipate the difficult by managing the easy.
Violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself.
Be the chief but never the lord.
Because of a great love, one is courageous.
The softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the world.
Nature is not human hearted.
When a nation is filled with strife, then do patriots flourish.
Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish - too much handling will spoil it.
The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither need you do anything but be yourself.
He who obtains has little. He who scatters has much.
Govern a great nation as you would cook a small fish. Do not overdo it.
Man takes his law from the Earth; the Earth takes its law from Heaven; Heaven takes its law from the Tao. The law of the Tao is its being what it is.
Heaven is long-enduring, and earth continues long. The reason why heaven and earth are able to endure and continue thus long is because they do not live of, or for, themselves.
I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.
He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.
Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.
From caring comes courage.
He who does not trust enough, Will not be trusted.
Man's enemies are not demons, but human beings like himself.
To realize that you do not understand is a virtue; Not to realize that you do not understand is a defect.
He who knows, does not speak. He who speaks, does not know.
The power of intuitive understanding will protect you from harm until the end of your days.
When the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves.'
Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires.
The more laws and order are made prominent, the more thieves and robbers there will be.
The words of truth are always paradoxical.
Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt.
