Lao Tzu

Philosopher

Lao Tzu was an ancient Chinese philosopher traditionally regarded as a foundational figure of Daoism. He is classically associated with the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching), though modern scholarship debates the historical details of his life and authorship.

Quotes by Lao Tzu

Govern a great nation as you would cook a small fish. Do not overdo it.
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Silence is a source of great strength.
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He who knows, does not speak. He who speaks, does not know.
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Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt.
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I do not concern myself with gods and spirits either good or evil nor do I serve any.
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One can not reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others.
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Ambition has one heel nailed in well, though she stretch her fingers to touch the heavens.
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Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart and the senses.
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Great indeed is the sublimity of the Creative, to which all beings owe their beginning and which permeates all heaven.
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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.
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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.
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The people are hungry: It is because those in authority eat up too much in taxes.
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The more laws and order are made prominent, the more thieves and robbers there will be.
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Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.
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I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.
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Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish - too much handling will spoil it.
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A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.
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Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy.
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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.
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Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.
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