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Quotes by Lao Tzu

Lao Tzu, an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer, is best known as the founder of Taoism and the author of the seminal text, the *Tao Te Ching*. Believed to have lived in the 6th century BCE, his teachings emphasize harmony, simplicity, and the importance of natural order. Little is known about his life, yet his profound insights into the nature of existence continue to resonate deeply across cultures. Lao Tzu's legacy endures as a guiding light for spiritual seekers and philosophers alike.

Learn more in our Tiny Panda blog post about Lao Tzu, then hop back to their quotes or the Tiny Panda blog on this site.

41 quotes found

"Truthful words are not beautiful; beautiful words are not truthful. Good words are not persuasive; persuasive words are not good."

Lao Tzu

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage."

Lao Tzu

"From caring comes courage."

Lao Tzu

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

Lao Tzu

"Life and death are one thread, the same line viewed from different sides."

Lao Tzu

"Treat those who are good with goodness, and also treat those who are not good with goodness. Thus goodness is attained. Be honest to those who are honest, and be also honest to those who are not honest. Thus honesty is attained."

Lao Tzu

"Of all that is good, sublimity is supreme. Succeeding is the coming together of all that is beautiful. Furtherance is the agreement of all that is just. Perseverance is the foundation of all actions."

Lao Tzu

"Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish - too much handling will spoil it."

Lao Tzu

"Great acts are made up of small deeds."

Lao Tzu

"Because of a great love, one is courageous."

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

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

Lao Tzu

"To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders."

Lao Tzu

"If you would take, you must first give, this is the beginning of intelligence."

Lao Tzu

"Those who have knowledge, don't predict. Those who predict, don't have knowledge."

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

"When the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves.'"

Lao Tzu

"Be the chief but never the lord."

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

"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love."

Lao Tzu

"Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart and the senses."

Lao Tzu

"I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures."

Lao Tzu

"When a nation is filled with strife, then do patriots flourish."

Lao Tzu

"Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power."

Lao Tzu

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

Lao Tzu

"He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty."

Lao Tzu

"Silence is a source of great strength."

Lao Tzu

"He who does not trust enough, Will not be trusted."

Lao Tzu

"The words of truth are always paradoxical."

Lao Tzu

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."

Lao Tzu

"Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment."

Lao Tzu

"In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present."

Lao Tzu

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."

Lao Tzu

"Nature is not human hearted."

Lao Tzu

"A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving."

Lao Tzu

"If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading."

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

"There was something undifferentiated and yet complete, which existed before Heaven and Earth. Soundless and formless, it depends on nothing and does not change. It operates everywhere and is free from danger. It may be considered the mother of the universe. I do not know its name; I call it Tao."

Lao Tzu

"If the Great Way perishes there will morality and duty. When cleverness and knowledge arise great lies will flourish. When relatives fall out with one another there will be filial duty and love. When states are in confusion there will be faithful servants."

Lao Tzu

"It is better to do one's own duty, however defective it may be, than to follow the duty of another, however well one may perform it. He who does his duty as his own nature reveals it, never sins."

Lao Tzu

"One can not reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others."

Lao Tzu