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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.

“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

All Quotes by Lao Tzu

“Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish - too much handling will spoil it.”

— Lao Tzu

Great

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

— Lao Tzu

Change

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

— Lao Tzu

Patience

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

— Lao Tzu

Respect

“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

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

— 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

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

— Lao Tzu

Death

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

— Lao Tzu

Health

“Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart and the senses.”

— Lao Tzu

Love

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

— Lao Tzu

Wisdom

“Great acts are made up of small deeds.”

— Lao Tzu

Great

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

— Lao Tzu

Music

“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

“Truthful words are not beautiful beautiful words are not truthful. Good words are not persuasive persuasive words are not good.”

— Lao Tzu

Communication

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

— Lao Tzu

Peace

“Treat those who are good with goodness, and also treat those who are not good with goodness. Thus goodness is attained. Be honest to those who are honest, and be also honest to those who are not honest. Thus honesty is attained.”

— Lao Tzu

Good

“Silence is a source of great strength.”

— Lao Tzu

Great

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

— Lao Tzu

Courage

“In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present.”

— Lao Tzu

Family