Lao Tzu Quotes and its meanings

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.

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

To know yet to think that one does not know is best Not to know yet to think that one knows will lead to difficulty.

If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.

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.

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

The wise stand out because they see themselves as part of the Whole. They shine because they dont want to impress. They achieve great things because they dont look for recognition. Their wisdom is contained in what they are, not their opinions. They refuse to argue, so no-one argues with them.

From caring comes courage.

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.

Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline simulated fear postulates courage simulated weakness postulates strength.

Life and death are one thread, the same line viewed from different sides.

People in their handlings of affairs often fail when they are about to succeed. If one remains as careful at the end as he was at the beginning, there will be no failure.

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.

Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline simulated fear postulates courage simulated weakness postulates strength.

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

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.

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

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.'

Because of a great love, one is courageous.

Silence is a source of great strength.

If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the world belongs to you.

Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy.

Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy.

If you would take, you must first give, this is the beginning of intelligence.

If the Great Way perishes there will morality and duty. When cleverness and knowledge arise great lies will flourish. When relatives fall out with one another there will be filial duty and love. When states are in confusion there will be faithful servants.

Those who have knowledge, don't predict. Those who predict, don't have knowledge.

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.

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

To lead people, walk beside them... As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence. The next best, the people honor and praise. The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate. When the best leaders work is done the people say, We did it ourselves.

Life and death are one thread, the same line viewed from different sides.

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.

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

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.

Because of a great love, one is courageous.

If the Great Way perishes there will morality and duty. When cleverness and knowledge arise great lies will flourish. When relatives fall out with one another there will be filial duty and love. When states are in confusion there will be faithful servants.

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

To lead people, walk beside them... As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence. The next best, the people honor and praise. The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate. When the best leaders work is done the people say, We did it ourselves.

If you do not change direction, you may end up where youre heading.

Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

Nature is not human hearted.

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.

I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.

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

Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.

The power of intuitive understanding will protect you from harm until the end of your days.

The wise stand out because they see themselves as part of the Whole. They shine because they dont want to impress. They achieve great things because they dont look for recognition. Their wisdom is contained in what they are, not their opinions. They refuse to argue, so no-one argues with them.

When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.

Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Dont resist them, that only creates sorrow. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.

Doing nothing is better than being busy doing nothing.

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.

Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline simulated fear postulates courage simulated weakness postulates strength.

Silence is a source of great strength.

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

The words of truth are always paradoxical.

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.

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

Silence is a source of great strength.

I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.

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.

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

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.