LaoTzu Quotes

A collection of quotes by LaoTzu.

Lao Tzu, also known as Laozi or Lao-Tze, is a legendary Chinese philosopher and the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching, a fundamental text of Taoism. Unfortunately, due to the lack of historical records and conflicting accounts, much of Lao Tzu's life remains shrouded in mystery, and details about his existence are highly debated.

According to popular belief, Lao Tzu was born in the 6th century BCE in the state of Chu in ancient China. He served as a record-keeper at the Zhou dynasty's royal court, though some sources refute this claim. It is said that disillusioned with the corruption and societal decline he witnessed, Lao Tzu decided to abandon his position and seek solace in seclusion.

Legend has it that Lao Tzu journeyed westward on a water buffalo and eventually reached the border of the empire. At this point, he encountered a guard who recognized his wisdom and insisted he record his philosophy before departing. In response, Lao Tzu penned the Tao Te Ching, a collection of poems and verses that elucidated his teachings on the concept of Tao, meaning "the way" or "the path."

While the historical authenticity of Lao Tzu's existence is questionable, his teachings and the Tao Te Ching have had an enduring impact on Chinese philosophy, spirituality, and beyond. Lao Tzu is revered as the founding figure of Taoism and his wisdom continues to resonate with people seeking harmony, balance, and understanding in their lives.

Truthful words are not beautiful; beautiful words are not tr

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

When the best leader's work is done the people say, We did i

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

When virtue is lost, benevolence appears, when benevolence i

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.

Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't r

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.

For the wise man looks into space and he knows there is no l

For the wise man looks into space and he knows there is no limited dimensions.

A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arri

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

There is no calamity greater than lavish desires. There is n

There is no calamity greater than lavish desires. There is no greater guilt than discontentment. And there is not greater disaster than greed.

He who knows others is clever; He who knows himself has disc

He who knows others is clever; He who knows himself has discernment.

He who knows he has enough is rich.

He who knows he has enough is rich.

He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough.

He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough.

He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has maste

He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.

He who is contented is rich.

He who is contented is rich.

The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither

The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither need you do anything but be yourself.

It is the Vague and Elusive. Meet it and you will not see it

It is the Vague and Elusive. Meet it and you will not see its head. Follow it and you will not see its back.

Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wis

Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength, mastering yourself is true power.

By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those

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.

He who gains a victory over other men is strong; but he who

He who gains a victory over other men is strong; but he who gains a victory over himself is all powerful.

When a nation is filled with strife, then do patriots flouri

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

Nothing in the world is more flexible and yielding than wate

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.

Darkness within darkness. The gateway to all understanding.

Darkness within darkness. The gateway to all understanding.