Lao Tzu Quotes
Lao Tzu, traditionally regarded as the founder of philosophical Taoism, is the legendary author of the Tao Te Ching, one of the most translated works of world literature. Modern scholarship treats Lao Tzu as a partly or wholly legendary figure and the Tao Te Ching as a compilation that took shape in roughly the fourth century BC. The quotes below are attributed to Lao Tzu, organized by topic.
Lao Tzu on Knowledge
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Attributed to Lao Tzu:
“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.”
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Attributed to Lao Tzu:
“Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know.”
Lao Tzu on Life
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Attributed to Lao Tzu:
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
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Attributed to Lao Tzu:
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”
Lao Tzu on Nature
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Attributed to Lao Tzu:
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”
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Attributed to Lao Tzu:
“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.”
Lao Tzu on Politics
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Attributed to 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 on Truth
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Attributed to Lao Tzu:
“True words are not beautiful; beautiful words are not true.”
Lao Tzu on Virtue
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Attributed to Lao Tzu:
“The best fighter is never angry.”
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Attributed to Lao Tzu:
“When men lack a sense of awe, there will be disaster.”
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Attributed to Lao Tzu:
“From caring comes courage.”