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Lao Tzu

48 quotes

Lao Tzu (6th century BC) was an ancient Chinese philosopher traditionally regarded as the founder of Taoism and the author of the *Tao Te Ching*. His teachings on simplicity, humility, and living in harmony with the natural order of the universe have influenced philosophy, religion, and art across East Asia and beyond for millennia.

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

— Lao Tzu

Health

All Quotes by Lao Tzu

“Nature is not human hearted.”

— Lao Tzu

Nature

“The words of truth are always paradoxical.”

— Lao Tzu

Truth

“Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.”

— Lao Tzu

Power

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

— Lao Tzu

Knowledge

“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

Change

“Great indeed is the sublimity of the Creative, to which all beings owe their beginning and which permeates all heaven.”

— Lao Tzu

Great

“Because of a great love, one is courageous.”

— Lao Tzu

Great

“A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.”

— Lao Tzu

Good

“Govern a great nation as you would cook a small fish. Do not overdo it.”

— Lao Tzu

Great

“When the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves.'”

— Lao Tzu

Best

“If you would take, you must first give, this is the beginning of intelligence.”

— Lao Tzu

Intelligence

“It is better to do one's own duty, however defective it may be, than to follow the duty of another, however well one may perform it. He who does his duty as his own nature reveals it, never sins.”

— Lao Tzu

Nature

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

— Lao Tzu

Health

“He who does not trust enough, Will not be trusted.”

— Lao Tzu

Trust

“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

Great

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”

— Lao Tzu

Nature

“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.”

— Lao Tzu

Great

“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

Life

“The power of intuitive understanding will protect you from harm until the end of your days.”

— Lao Tzu

Power

“I do not concern myself with gods and spirits either good or evil nor do I serve any.”

— Lao Tzu

Good