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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.

“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

All Quotes by Lao Tzu

“The words of truth are always paradoxical.”

— Lao Tzu

Truth

“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

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

— Lao Tzu

Nature

“Silence is a source of great strength.”

— Lao Tzu

Great

“I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.”

— Lao Tzu

Patience

“From caring comes courage.”

— Lao Tzu

Courage

“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

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

— Lao Tzu

Courage

“Great acts are made up of small deeds.”

— Lao Tzu

Great

“When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.”

— Lao Tzu

Respect

“Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment.”

— Lao Tzu

Wisdom

“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.”

— Lao Tzu

Best

“All difficult things have their origin in that which is easy, and great things in that which is small.”

— Lao Tzu

Great

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

— Lao Tzu

Great

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

— Lao Tzu

Courage

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

— Lao Tzu

Good

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

— Lao Tzu

Men

“Nature is not human hearted.”

— Lao Tzu

Nature

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

— Lao Tzu

Change

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

— Lao Tzu

Knowledge