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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.

“The wicked leader is he who the people despise. The good leader is he who the people revere. The great leader is he who the people say, 'We did it ourselves.'”

— Lao Tzu

Good

All Quotes by Lao Tzu

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

— Lao Tzu

Death

“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

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

— Lao Tzu

Courage

“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

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

— Lao Tzu

Men

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.”

— Lao Tzu

Love

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

— Lao Tzu

Wisdom

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

— Lao Tzu

Music

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

— Lao Tzu

Knowledge

“One can not reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others.”

— Lao Tzu

Peace

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

— Lao Tzu

Patience

“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

“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

“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

“The words of truth are always paradoxical.”

— Lao Tzu

Truth

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

— Lao Tzu

Respect

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

— Lao Tzu

Health

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

— Lao Tzu

Love

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

— Lao Tzu

Good

“Silence is a source of great strength.”

— Lao Tzu

Great