Lao Tzu was a famous Chinese philosopher, whose name when translated means “The Old Master”. He is most famous for his book the Tao Te Ching, which is an ancient philosophical text that speaks of the art of living with humor and grace, coming from deep, ancient wisdom. Lao Tzu is also the founder of philosophical Taoism. Here are 17 of the best Lao Tzu quotes.
1) 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 quotes
2) Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. -Lao Tzu quotes
3) A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.- Lao Tzu quotes
4) Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. -Lao Tzu quotes
5) When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everybody will respect you. Lao Tzu quotes
6) 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 quotes
7) Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you. -Lao Tzu quotes
8) Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment. -Lao Tzu quotes
9) 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 quotes
10) He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough. -Lao Tzu quotes
11) All difficult things have their origin in that which is easy, and great things in that which is small. -Lao Tzu quotes
12) 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 quotes
13) He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty. -Lao Tzu quotes
14) At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want. -Lao Tzu quotes
15) 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 quotes
16) 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. -Lao Tzu quotes
17) He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still. –Lao Tzu quotes
What are some of your favourite Lao Tzu quotes? Tell us in the comments below.
I’m looking for a Lao Thursday quote that is about controlling others makes a master, but controlling oneself makes you fearless. If you know of this quote can you give.