Quotes from Laozi

Those who flow as life flows know they need no other force.

The wise are not learned, the learned are not wise.

Conquering others takes force, conquering yourself is true strength.

He who gains a victory over other men is strong; but he who gains a victory over himself is all powerful.

Force is followed by loss of strength. This is not the way of the Tao. That which goes against the Tao comes to an early end.

Develop the strength of a man, but live as gently as a woman

Seeing the small is called Clarity. Keeping flexible is called Strength. Using the shining Radiance, You enter the Light, Where no harm can come to you. This is called Enlightenment.

If you see what is small as it sees itself, and accept what is weak for what strength it has, and use what is dim for the light it gives then all will go well. This is called Acting Naturally.

Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline; simulated fear postulates courage; simulated weakness postulates strength.

Knowing others is to be clever. Knowing yourself is to be enlightened. Overcoming others requires force. Overcoming yourself requires strength.

Holding on to the weak is called strength.

Understanding others is knowledge, Understanding oneself is enlightenment; Conquering others is power, Conquering oneself is strength.

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.

Failure is the foundation of success: success is the lurking place of failure.

Always be on the lookout for ways to nurture your dream.

Stop thinking, and end your problems. What difference between yes and no? What difference between success and failure? Must you value what others value, avoid what others avoid? How ridiculous!

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.

An ant on the move does more than a dozing ox.

Success is as dangerous as failure. Hope is as hollow as fear.

Those who have hardened, have a covenant with Death. Those who remain gentle are conjoined with Life.

The reason why the universe is eternal is that it does not live for itself; it gives life to others as it transforms.

Why do the people think so little of death? Because the rulers demand too much of life. Therefore the people take death lightly.

The natural laws of the universe are inviolable... what you say and do determines what happens in your life... You are the master of your life and death. What you do is what you are.

The way to use life is to do nothing through acting, The way to use life is to do everything through being.