Lao Tzu also known as Laozi was an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer. He is traditionally credited as the author of the Tao Te Ching, the founder of philosophical Taoism, and a deity in religious Taoism and traditional Chinese religions. He is revered as a deity in Chinese folk religion and venerated in most religious forms of the Taoist religion. Following is our collection on famous quotes by Lao Tzu on balance, life, leadership.
When you stand with your two feet on the ground, you will always keep your balance. — Lao Tzu
Countless words
count less
than the silent balance
between yin and yang — Lao Tzu
Fame of self: Which matters more? Self or wealth: Which is more precious? Gain or loss: Which is more painful? — Lao Tzu
So sometimes things are ahead and sometimes they are behind; Sometimes breathing is hard, sometimes it comes easily; Sometimes there is strength and sometimes weakness; Sometimes one is up and sometimes down. Therefore the sage avoids extremes, excesses, and complacency. — Lao Tzu
As it acts in the world, the Tao is like the bending of a bow. The top is bent downward; the bottom is bent up. It adjusts excess and deficiency so that there is perfect balance. — Lao Tzu
The great Way is easy, yet people prefer the side paths. Be aware when things are out of balance. Stay centered within the Tao. — Lao Tzu
It's hard to keep your balance standing tip-toe. — Lao Tzu
If people do not revere the Law of Nature It will adversely affect them. If they accept It with knowledge and reverence, It will accommodate them with balance and harmony. — Lao Tzu
He who holds balance...has attained the highest post in the world. — Lao Tzu
Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like. — Lao Tzu
I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. — Lao Tzu
People aren't against you; they are for themselves. The most dangerous risk of all - the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later. He who conquers others is strong, he who conquers himself is mighty. — Lao Tzu
Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires. — Lao Tzu
A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. — Lao Tzu
When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. — Lao Tzu
All things, including the grass and trees, are soft and pliable in life; dry and brittle in death. — Lao Tzu
When virtue is lost, benevolence appears, when benevolence is lost right conduct appears, when right conduct is lost, expedience appears. Expediency is the mere shadow of right and truth; it is the beginning of disorder. — Lao Tzu
The mark of a moderate man is freedom from his own ideas. Tolerant like the sky, all-pervading like sunlight, firm like a mountain, supple like a tree in the wind, he has no destination in view and makes use of anything life happens to bring his way. — Lao Tzu
Lao Tzu Quotes About Leadership
Those who are right do not argue. Those who argue are not right. — Lao Tzu
He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still. — Lao Tzu
The leader is a teacher who succeeds without taking credit. And, because credit is not taken, credit is received. — Lao Tzu
The flame that burns Twice as bright burns half as long. — Lao Tzu
Those who know do not talk. Those who talk do not know. — Lao Tzu
If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never be truly fulfilled. — Lao Tzu
I am good to people who are good. I am also good to people who are not good. Because Virtue is goodness. — Lao Tzu
When taxes are too high, people go hungry. When the government is too intrusive, people lose their spirit. Act for the people's benefit. Trust them; leave them alone. — Lao Tzu
Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt. — Lao Tzu
In caring for others and serving heaven,
There is nothing like using restraint. — Lao Tzu
Allow your softer, more intuitive, and less dominating feminine qualities to rise to the fore, so that you're surrendering rather than dominating, receiving rather than broadcasting, loving rather than fighting. — Lao Tzu
Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is enlightenment. — Lao Tzu
Tao loves and nourishes all things, but does not dominate it over them. — Lao Tzu
In the Way of Heaven, there is no partiality of love; it is always on the side of the good man. — Lao Tzu
Because one believes in oneself, one doesn't try to convince. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn't need others' approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her. — Lao Tzu
Because of a great love, one is courageous. — Lao Tzu
Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart and the senses. — Lao Tzu
Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart and the senses. — Lao Tzu
When the great Tao is forgotten, goodness and piety appear. When the body's intelligence declines, cleverness and knowledge step forth. When there is no peace in the family, filial piety begins. When the country falls into chaos, patriotism is born. — Lao Tzu
One cannot reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others. — Lao Tzu
With virtue and quietness one may conquer the world. — Lao Tzu
When there is no desire, all things are at peace — Lao Tzu
If you are at peace, you are living in the present. — Lao Tzu
Respond intelligently even to unintelligent treatment. — Lao Tzu
Nurture the spontaneous peaceful life. — Lao Tzu
Freedom from desire leads to inner peace. — Lao Tzu
Empty your mind of all thoughts. Let your heart be at peace. Watch the turmoil of beings, but contemplate their return. — Lao Tzu
How could man rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men? — Lao Tzu
Lao Tzu Quotes About Nature
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. — Lao Tzu
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. — Lao Tzu
Live simply and virtuously, true to your nature, drawing no line between what is spiritual and what is not. — Lao Tzu
Open yourself to the truth, then trust in your natural responses, and everything will fall into place. — Lao Tzu
Empty yourself of everything.
Let the mind become still.
The ten thousand things rise and fall while the Self watches their return.
They grow and flourish and then return to the source.
Returning to the source is stillness, which is the way of nature. — Lao Tzu
To see things in the seed, that is genius. — Lao Tzu
The fourth (of the four cardinal virtues) is supportiveness: this manifests as service to others without expectation of reward. (Paraphrased: Such service is not a mere conforming to some external rule of behavior, but instead a manifestation of your original nature). — Lao Tzu
Use the light that is in you to recover your natural clearness of sight — Lao Tzu
When you realize where you come from, you naturally become tolerant, amused, kindhearted as a grandmother, and dignified as a king. Immersed in wonder, you can deal with whatever life brings you, and when death comes, you are ready. — Lao Tzu
Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like. — Lao Tzu
Lao Tzu Quotes About Water
Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield. As a rule, whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard. This is another paradox: what is soft is strong. — Lao Tzu
Nothing in the world is more flexible and yielding than water. Yet when it attacks the firm and the strong, none can withstand it, because they have no way to change it. So the flexible overcome the adamant, the yielding overcome the forceful. Everyone knows this, but no one can do it. — Lao Tzu
Nothing in the world is more flexible and yielding than water. Yet when it attacks the firm and the strong, none can withstand it, because they have no way to change it. So the flexible overcome the adamant, the yielding overcome the forceful. Everyone knows this, but no one can do it. — Lao Tzu
Have patience. Wait until the mud settles and the water is clear. Remain unmoving until right action arises by itself. — Lao Tzu
Trying to understand is like straining through muddy water. Be still and allow the mud to settle. — 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
Water is the softest thing, yet it can penetrate mountains and earth. This shows clearly the principle of softness overcoming hardness. — 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
Nothing is weaker than water, Yet for overcoming what is hard and strong, Nothing surpasses it. — Lao Tzu
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. — Lao Tzu
Lao Tzu Quotes About War
Violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself. — Lao Tzu
The slaying of multitudes should be mourned with sorrow. A victory should be celebrated with the funeral rite. — Lao Tzu
When the Way governs the world, the proud stallions drag dung carriages. When the Way is lost to the world, war horses are bred outside the city. — Lao Tzu
When many people are killed, they should be mourned and lamented. Those who are victorious in war should follow the rites of funerals. — Lao Tzu
To delight in conquest is to delight in slaughter. — Lao Tzu
When great armies go to war, Sorrow is the sole winner. — Lao Tzu
Only fools seek power, and the greatest fools seek it through force. — Lao Tzu
There is no calamity greater than lightly engaging in war. — Lao Tzu
Use justice to rule a country. Use surprise to wage war. Use non-action to govern the world. — Lao Tzu
The most powerful weapon known is the weapon of blessing. Therefore, a clever person relies on it. He wins with peace, not with war. — Lao Tzu
Lao Tzu Quotes About Silence
Silence is a source of great strength. — Lao Tzu
The more you know the less you understand. — Lao Tzu
It is as though he listened and such listening as his enfolds us in silence in which at last we begin to hear what we are meant to be. — Lao Tzu
Few things under heaven bring more benefit than the lessons learned from silence and the actions taken without striving. — Lao Tzu
True humility involves opposites. The truly humble work in silence. Because they do not speak of their accomplishments, credit for them can never be taken away. — Lao Tzu
Silence is a source of great strenght. — Lao Tzu
Lao Tzu Quotes About Wisdom
If you want to awaken all of humanity, then awaken all of yourself, if you want to eliminate the suffering in the world, then eliminate all that is negative in yourself. Truly, the greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self-transformation. — Lao Tzu
The wise stand out because they see themselves as part of the Whole. They shine because they don't want to impress. They achieve great things because they don't look for recognition. Their wisdom is contained in what they are, not their opinions. They refuse to argue, so no-one argues with them. — Lao Tzu
Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power. — Lao Tzu
If you search everywhere, yet cannot find what you are seeking, it is because what you seek is already in your possession. — Lao Tzu
When the student is ready the teacher will appear. — Lao Tzu
If you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich. — 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
When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you. — Lao Tzu
A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves. — Lao Tzu
Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment. — Lao Tzu
Lao Tzu Quotes About Teachings
I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. — Lao Tzu
My teachings are easy to understand and easy to put into practice. Yet your intellect will never grasp them, and if you try to practice them, you'll fail. My teachings are older than the world. How can you grasp their meaning? If you want to know me, look inside your heart. — Lao Tzu
I confess that there is nothing to teach: no religion, no science, no writings which will lead your mind back to Spirit. Today I speak this way, tomorrow that, but always the Path is beyond words and beyond mind. — Lao Tzu
Great talents ripen late; the highest notes are hard to hear. — Lao Tzu
When they lose their sense of awe, people turn to religion. When they no longer trust themselves, they begin to depend upon authority. Therefore the Master steps back so that people won't be confused. He teaches without a teaching, so that people will have nothing to learn. — Lao Tzu
Of the second-rate leaders people speak respectfully saying, "He has done this, he has done that." Of the first-rate leaders, they do not say this. They say, "We have done it all ourselves." — Lao Tzu
Give up learning, and put an end to your troubles. — Lao Tzu
Thus it is that "Some things are increased by being diminished, others are diminished by being increased." What others have taught, I also teach; verily, I will make it the root of my teaching. — Lao Tzu
The gentlest thing in the world overcomes the hardest thing in the world. That which has no substance enters where there is no space. This shows the value of non-action. Teaching without words, performing without actions: that is the Master's way. — Lao Tzu
If your virtue is especially radiant, it can be possible to open a pathway to the subtle realm and receive these celestial teachings directly from the immortals. — Lao Tzu
Lao Tzu Famous Quotes And Sayings
Remember: “The Best Fighter is Never Angry." — Lao Tzu
New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings. — Lao Tzu
Those who are right do not argue. Those who argue are not right. — Lao Tzu
Deal with the big while it is still small. — Lao Tzu
He who knows much about others may be learned, but he who understands himself is more intelligent. He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still. — Lao Tzu
Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know. — Lao Tzu
The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long. — Lao Tzu
True words aren't eloquent; eloquent words aren't true. Wise men don't need to prove their point; men who need to prove their point aren't wise. The Master has no possessions. The more he does for others, the happier he is. The more he gives to others, the wealthier he is. The Tao nourishes by not forcing. By not dominating, the Master leads. — Lao Tzu
In order to eliminate the negative influences, simply ignore them. — Lao Tzu
Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power. — Lao Tzu
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. — Lao Tzu
If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never be truly fulfilled. — Lao Tzu
Your own positive future begins in this moment. All you have is right now. Every goal is possible from here. — Lao Tzu
New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings. — Lao Tzu
Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires. — Lao Tzu
Make your heart like a lake, with calm, still surface, and great depths of kindness. — Lao Tzu
The world is won by those who let it go. — Lao Tzu
The flame that burns Twice as bright burns half as long. — Lao Tzu
If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve — Lao Tzu
Stop thinking, and end your problems. — Lao Tzu
Stop thinking, and end your problems. — 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
There is a time to go ahead and a time to stay behind. There is a time to breathe easy and time to breathe hard. There is a time to be vigorous and a time to be gentle. There is a time to gather and a time to release. Can you see things as they are And let them be all on their own? — Lao Tzu
In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. — Lao Tzu
True words are not pleasing. Pleasing words are not true. — 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
Hear no evil. See no evil. Speak no evil. — Lao Tzu
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. — Lao Tzu
The truth is not always beautiful, nor beautiful words the truth. — Lao Tzu
Embrace simplicity. Put others first. Desire little. — Lao Tzu
The career of a sage is of two kinds: He is either honored by all in the world, Like a flower waving its head, Or else he disappears into the silent forest. — Lao Tzu
The Master observes the world, but trusts his inner vision. He allows things to come and go. His heart is as open as the sky. — Lao Tzu
The career of a sage is of two kinds: He is either honored by all in the world, Like a flower waving its head, Or else he disappears into the silent forest. — Lao Tzu
A tree trunk the size of a man grows from a blade as thin as a hair. A tower nine stories high is built from a small heap of earth. — Lao Tzu
The master does his job and then stops. He understands that the universe is forever out of control, and that trying to dominate events goes against the current of the Tao. — Lao Tzu
The Tao is told is not the Tao. — Lao Tzu
If a person seems wicked, do not cast him away. Awaken him with your words, elevate him with your deeds, repay his injury with your kindness. Do not cast him away; cast away his wickedness. — Lao Tzu
He who knows others is wise.He who knows himself is enlightened. — Lao Tzu
Without the tao, Kindness and compassion are replaced by law and justice; Faith and trust are supplanted by ritual and ceremony. — 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
Why is the tao so valuable? Because it is everywhere, and everyone can use it. This is why those who seek will find, And those who reform will be forgiven; Why the good will be rewarded, And the thief who is cunning will escape. — Lao Tzu
Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt. — Lao Tzu
Tao invariably takes no action, and yet there is nothing left undone. — Lao Tzu
The truth is not always beautiful, nor beautiful words the truth. — Lao Tzu
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. — Lao Tzu
If you can find true contentment, it will last forever. — Lao Tzu
The Tao is great. The universe is great. Earth is great. Man is great. These are the four great powers. Man follows the earth. Earth follows the universe. The universe follows the Tao. The Tao follows only itself. — Lao Tzu
Do you think that you can clear your mind by sitting constantly in silent meditation? This makes your mind narrow, not clear. Integral awareness is fluid and adaptable, present in all places and at all times. That is true meditation. ... The Tao is clear and simple, and it doesn't avoid the world. — Lao Tzu
The Tao never does anything, yet through it all things are done. If powerful men and women could venter themselves in it, the whole world would be transformed by itself, in its natural rhythms. People would be content with their simple, everyday lives, in harmony, and free of desire. When there is no desire, all things are at peace. — Lao Tzu
When men lack a sense of awe, there will be disaster. — Lao Tzu
The Tao never acts with force, yet there is nothing that it can not do. — Lao Tzu
The Tao principle is what happens of itself. — Lao Tzu
When you let go of what you are, you become what you might be. — Lao Tzu
Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. — Lao Tzu
The wise man, after learning something new, is afraid to learn anything more until he has put his first lesson into practice. — Lao Tzu
To lead people walk behind them. — Lao Tzu
Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. — Lao Tzu
When virtue is lost, benevolence appears, when benevolence is lost right conduct appears, when right conduct is lost, expedience appears. Expediency is the mere shadow of right and truth; it is the beginning of disorder. — Lao Tzu
A good manager is best when people barely know that he exists. Not so good when people obey and acclaim him. Worse when they despise him. — Lao Tzu
Thirty spokes meet in the hub,
but the empty space between them
is the essence of the wheel.
Pots are formed from clay,
but the empty space within it
is the essence of the pot.
Walls with windows and doors
form the house,
but the empty space within it
is the essence of the home. — Lao Tzu
Yet mystery and imagination arise from the same source. This source is called darkness ... Darkness within darkness, the gateway to all understanding. — Lao Tzu
Failure is an opportunity. If you blame someone else, there is no end to the blame. Therefore the Master fulfills her own obligations and corrects her own mistakes. She does what she needs to do and demands nothing of others. — Lao Tzu
Lao Tzu taught that the key to achieving harmony in life is to practice humility and restraint, to be content with what one has, and to accept the natural flow of the universe.
He argued that by understanding the underlying Tao or “way” of the universe, one can live in harmony with nature and be free from the suffering of attachment to material things.
Laozi also believed that by cultivating inner peace and stillness, one can gain insight into the true nature of reality and lead a life of wisdom and compassion.
Citation
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