Laozi Quotes

When the people of the world all know beauty as beauty, there arises the recognition of ugliness. When they all know the good as good, there arises the recognition of evil.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Watch your step.

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

the skilful speaker says nothing that can be found fault with or blamed;

To speak little is natural. Therefore a gale does not blow a whole morning nor does a downpour last a whole day.

Fill your bowl to the brim
and it will spill.
Keep sharpening your knife
and it will blunt.
Chase after money and security
and your heart will never unclench.
Care about people's approval
and you will be their prisoner. Do your work, then step back.
The only path to serenity.

He who stands on his tiptoes does not stand firm; he who stretches his legs does not walk (easily).

The difficult problems in life always start off being simple. Great affairs always start off being small.

Wasting energy to obtain rare objects only impedes one's growth.

Countless words
count less
than the silent balance
between yin and yang

Boasting of wealth and virtue brings your demise.

If you are depressed you are living in the past.
If you are anxious you are living in the future.
If you are at peace you are living in the present.

Those about whom you inquire have moulded with their bones into dust. Nothing but their words remain. When the hour of the great man has struck he rises to leadership; but before his time has come he is hampered in all that he attempts. I have heard that the successful merchant carefully conceals his wealth, and acts as though he had nothing—that the great man, though abounding in achievements, is simple in his manners and appearance. Get rid of your pride and your many ambitions, your affectation and your extravagant aims. Your character gains nothing for all these. This is my advice to you.

Empty your mind of all thoughts.
Let your heart be at peace.
Watch the turmoil of beings,
but contemplate their return.

Each separate being in the universe
returns to the common source.
Returning to the source is serenity.

If you don't realize the source,
you stumble in confusion and sorrow.
When you realize where you come from,
you naturally become tolerant,
disinterested, amused,
kindhearted as a grandmother,
dignified as a king.
Immersed in the wonder of the Tao,
you can deal with whatever life brings you,
and when death comes, you are ready.

He who is satisfied with his lot is rich;