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The 31 Greatest Quotes of Lao Tzu

Edited By: Sheldon O.

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Lao-Tzu was a philosopher and poet of ancient China. He is best known as the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching and the founder of philosophical Taoism, but he is also revered as a deity in religious Taoism and traditional Chinese religions. Although a legendary figure, he is usually dated to around the 6th century BC and considered to be a contemporary of Confucius. Below are 31 of his greatest inspirational quotes:

On Strength and Power

Lao-Tzu - All streams flow to the sea because it is lower than they are. Humility gives it its power.

Lao-Tzu - In the world there is nothing more submissive and weak than water. Yet for attacking that which is hard and strong, nothing can surpass it.

Lao-Tzu - If you want to govern the people, you must place yourself below them. If you want to lead the people, you must learn how to follow them.

Lao-Tzu - Silence is a source of great strength.

Lao-Tzu - Care about people's approval and you will be their prisoner.

Lao-Tzu - Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.

Lao-Tzu - He who has power over others can't empower himself.

On Patience:

Lao-Tzu - Do you have the patience to wait till the mud settles and the water is clear?

Lao-Tzu - If you want to shrink something, you must first allow it to expand. This is called the subtle perception of the way things are.

Lao-Tzu - By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try, the world is beyond the winning.

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

Lao-Tzu - The soft overcomes the hard. The slow overcomes the fast.

Lao-Tzu - When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.

Lao-Tzu - Give evil nothing to oppose and it will disappear by itself.

Lao-Tzu - He who rushes ahead doesn't go far.

On Knowledge and Wisdom:

Lao-Tzu - He who tries to shine dims his own light.

Lao-Tzu - If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.

Lao-Tzu - He who defines himself can't know who he really is.

Lao-Tzu - Express yourself completely then keep quiet. Be like the forces of nature: when it blows, there is only wind; when it rains, there is only rain; when the clouds pass, the sun shines through.

Lao-Tzu - When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.

Lao-Tzu - If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to.

Lao-Tzu - If you want to become whole, let yourself be partial. If you want to become straight, let yourself be crooked...

Lao-Tzu - He who clings to his work will create nothing that endures.

Lao-Tzu - The wise man is one who knows what he doesn't know.

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

Lao-Tzu - The sage does not hoard. The more he helps others, the more he benefits himself. The more he gives to others, the more he gets himself.

On Happiness:

Lao-Tzu - Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.

Lao-Tzu - New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.

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

Lao-Tzu - Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy.

Lao-Tzu - If you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich.

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