Quotes from Laozi

When the ancient Masters said, "If you want to be given everything, give everything up," they weren't using empty phrases. Only in being lived by the Tao can you be truly yourself.

At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.

A good artist lets his intuition lead him wherever it wants.

Never take over the world to tamper with it. Those who want to tamper with it are not fit to take over the world.

Time is a created thing. To say 'I don't have time' is to say 'I don't want to.'

The sage acts without taking credit. He accomplishes without dwelling on it. He does not want to display his worth.

So the unwanting soul sees what's hidden, and the ever-wanting soul sees only what it wants.

He (the sage) wants all things to follow their own nature, but dares not act.

Those who advice the ruler on the Way, do not want the world subdued with weapons.

Use justice to rule a country. Use surprise to wage war. Use non-action to govern the world.

There is no calamity greater than lightly engaging in war.

Violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself.

To delight in conquest is to delight in slaughter.

The most powerful weapon known is the weapon of blessing. Therefore, a clever person relies on it. He wins with peace, not with war.

When great armies go to war, Sorrow is the sole winner.

When many people are killed, they should be mourned and lamented. Those who are victorious in war should follow the rites of funerals.

Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habit.

If you search everywhere, yet cannot find what you are seeking, it is because what you seek is already in your possession.

For knowledge, add something every day. For wisdom....subtract.

When the student is ready the teacher will appear.

Knowing others is wisdom; Knowing the self is enlightenment; Mastering others requires force; Mastering the self needs strength.

Conquering others requires force. Conquering oneself requires strength

When wisdom and knowledge appear, great pretense arises.

Those who know are wise. Those who know themselves are enlightened.