Lao Tzu Quotes

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

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

~ Lao Tzu

All difficult things have their origin in that which is easy, and great things in that which is small.

~ Lao Tzu

The wicked leader is he who the people despise. The good leader is he who the people revere. The great leader is he who the people say, 'We did it ourselves.'

~ Lao Tzu

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

~ Lao Tzu

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

~ Lao Tzu

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

~ Lao Tzu

Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment.

~ Lao Tzu

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

~ 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

How could man rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men?

~ 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