Quotes from Lao Tzu

A leader is most effective when people barely know he exists. When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, his troops will feel they did it themselves.

Great acts are made up of small deeds.

Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is enlightenment.

To realize that you do not understand is a virtue; Not to realize that you do not understand is a defect.

Marriage is three parts love and seven parts forgiveness of sins.

Ambition has one heel nailed in well, though she stretch her fingers to touch the heavens.

A journey of a thousand leagues begins beneath one's feet.

To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage.

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

Governing a large country is like frying a small fish. You spoil it with too much poking.

Kindness in words creates confidence; kindness in thinking creates profoundness; kindness in giving creates love.

Water is the softest thing, yet it can penetrate mountains and earth. This shows clearly the principle of softness overcoming hardness.

The greater the number of laws and enactments, the more thieves and robbers there will be.

The sage wears rough clothing and holds the jewel in his heart.

To yield is to be preserved whole.To be bent is to become straight.To be empty is to be full.To be worn out is to be renewed.To have little is to possess.To have plenty is to be perplexed.

Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power. If you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich.

A leader is best When people barely know he exists Of a good leader, who talks little, When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, They will say, We did this ourselves.

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

The best fighter is never angry.

Because one believes in oneself, one doesn't try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn't need others' approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her.

Be careful what you water your dreams with. Water them with worry and fear and you will produce weeds that choke the life from your dream. Water them with optimism and solutions and you will cultivate success. Always be on the lookout for ways to turn a problem into an opportunity for success. Always be on the lookout for ways to nurture your dream.

If you understand others you are smart. If you understand yourself you are illuminated. If you overcome others you are powerful. If you overcome yourself you have strength. If you know how to be satisfied you are rich. If you can act with vigor, you have a will. If you don't lose your objectives you can be long-lasting. If you die without loss, you are eternal.

It is The Vague and Elusive.Meet it and you will not see its head.Follow it and you will not see its back.

Abandon learning and there will be no sorrow.