Lao Tzu
Chinese sage and traditional author of the Tao Te Ching, 6th century BC
27 quotes.
Quotes by Lao Tzu
- A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
- A journey to Thousand miles begins with one step
- A leader is best when people barely know he exists; Not so good when people obey and acclaim him; worst when they despise him; but a good leader who talks little when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say "We did it our selves!"
- All difficult things in the world are sure to arise from a previous state in which they were easy, and all great things from one in which they were small.
- All streams flow to the ocean because it is lower than they are. Humility gives it its power.
- Begin your task before it becomes a burden. Put things in order before they get out of hand.
- Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
- Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner.
- He who knows other men is discerning; he who knows himself is intelligent. He who overcomes others is strong; he who overcomes himself is mighty.
- He who knows others is wise;He who know himself is enlightened.
- He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough.
- He who overcomes others is strong, but he who overcomes himself is mightier still.
- He who tries to shine dims his own light.
- He who wishes to rule over the people must speak as if below them. He who wishes to lead the people must walk as if behind them. So the Sage rules over the people but he does not weigh them down. He leads the people but he does not block their way.
- I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.
- If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.
- If you want to awaken all of humanity, awaken all of yourself.
- Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.
- One who conquers others is strong. One who conquers himself is all-powerful.
- Sincere words are not fine; fine words are not sincere.
- Take on difficulties while they are still easy. Do great things while they are still small. Step by step the world’s burden is lifted. Piece by piece the world’s treasure is amassed.
- The tree which fills the arms grew from the tiniest sprout; the tower of nine storeys rose from a (small) heap of earth; the journey of a thousand li commenced with a single step.
- Those who understand others are clever, those who understand themselves are wise.
- To know that you do not know is the best.To pretend to know when you do not know is a disease.
- To lead the people, walk behind them.
- When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everybody will respect you.
- Wise men don’t need to prove their point; men who need to prove their point aren’t wise.