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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.

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

— Lao Tzu

Knowledge

All Quotes by Lao Tzu

“People in their handlings of affairs often fail when they are about to succeed. If one remains as careful at the end as he was at the beginning, there will be no failure.”

— Lao Tzu

Failure

“From caring comes courage.”

— Lao Tzu

Courage

“How could man rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men?”

— Lao Tzu

Men

“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

Best

“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.”

— Lao Tzu

Truth

“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

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

— Lao Tzu

Best

“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

“Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.”

— Lao Tzu

Music

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

— Lao Tzu

Trust

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

— Lao Tzu

Change

“The sage does not hoard. The more he helps others, the more he benefits himself, The more he gives to others, the more he gets himself. The Way of Heaven does one good but never does one harm. The Way of the sage is to act but not to compete.”

— Lao Tzu

Good

“Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline simulated fear postulates courage simulated weakness postulates strength.”

— Lao Tzu

Courage

“Silence is a source of great strength.”

— Lao Tzu

Great

“A scholar who cherishes the love of comfort is not fit to be deemed a scholar.”

— Lao Tzu

Love

“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 and death are one thread, the same line viewed from different sides.”

— Lao Tzu

Death

“Great acts are made up of small deeds.”

— Lao Tzu

Great

“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

Good

“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