Lao Tzu Quotes on Life
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. This page collects quotes attributed to Lao Tzu on the topic of life, drawn from across the philosopher's works.
Quotes
-
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Tao Te Ching, Chapter 64 -
Attributed to Lao Tzu:
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”
-
“The Tao that can be expressed is not the eternal Tao; The name that can be defined is not the unchanging name. Non-existence is called the antecedent of heaven and earth ; Existence is the mother of all things. From eternal non-existence, therefore, we serenely observe the mysterious beginning of the Universe ; From eternal existence we clearly see the apparent distinctions. These two are the same in source and become different when manifested. This sameness is called profundity. Infinite profundity is the gate whence comes the beginning of all parts of the Universe.”
translated by Ch'u Ta-Kao (1904) | Also as Tao called Tao is not Tao. -
“let people return to the use of knots and be satisfied with their food and pleased with their clothing and content with their homes and happy with their customs let there be another state so near people hear its dogs and chickens but live out their lives without making a visit”
Chapter 80 | translated by Red Pine