157 "Lao Tzu" Quotes And Sayings

Lao Tzu (meaning "Old Master") is the founder of the Dao De Jing ("way of nature"). His teachings are recorded in the Tao Te Ching ("Daodejing"). The Tao Te Ching is considered by many to be the most important book in Chinese philosophy. Lao Tzu was born around 498 BC and died around 361 BC Read more

He came from a minor family which was wealthy because of its control over salt mines. Lao Tzu believed that there is no corruption in material wealth, but that it could lead to corruption of the spirit. He believed that man should make his life meaningful by serving others rather than by accumulating wealth.

Lao Tzu lived in China during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) which was marked by constant warring states vying for power. He taught his followers to be simple, content with their lot, and not to desire anything beyond what they had. Lao Tzu's writings were popular among Chinese intellectuals during the Warring States Period but lost popularity after his death because of their lack of political ramifications.

Most copies of the Tao Te Ching were destroyed during the burning of books during Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Qin dynasty (221-207 BC). During the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), however, his ideas again became popular because members of the Han court adopted Taoist practices as part of their own culture. The term "Taoist" is used to describe people who follow these practices today The Tao Te Ching consists of 86 verses written by Lao Tzu between 300 BC and 300 AD.

It is often translated as "The Book of Tao". This translation has led to some confusion because there are other books also called The Book of Tao, e.g., one by Chuang Tzu, another by Chuang Tzu's father Chuang Chou, etc., but all are different authors writing about different things. Many scholars believe that all are different versions of one work or at least part of one work even though they may have been written over a long period of time.

Some scholars believe that these versions are not authentic versions at all but forgeries added later for political reasons or for religious reasons or for whatever reason other scholars may believe. The ancient text is divided into four sections: I - The Way; II - The Virtue; III - The Greatness; IV - Miscellaneous Chapters, including Recluse Songs, Songs about Rainbows, Songs

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving...
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Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. Lao Tzu
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LoveEmbracing Tao, you become embraced. Supple, breathing gently, you become reborn. Clearing your vision, you become clear. Nurturing your beloved, you become impartial. Opening your heart, you become accepted. Accepting the World, you embrace Tao.Bearing and nurturing, Creating but not owning, Giving without demanding, Controlling without authority, This is love. Lao Tzu
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We join spokes together in a wheel, but it is the center hole that makes the wagon move. We shape clay into a pot, but it is the emptiness insidethat holds whatever we want. We hammer wood for a house, but it is the inner spacethat makes it livable. We work with being, but non-being is what we use. Lao Tzu
Because of a great love, one is courageous.
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Because of a great love, one is courageous. Lao Tzu
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Simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being. Patient with both friends and enemies, you accord with the way things are. Compassionate toward yourself, you reconcile all beings in the world. Lao Tzu
A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not...
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A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving. Lao Tzu
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If you try to change it, you will ruin it. Try to hold it, and you will lose it. Lao Tzu
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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
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In the end, The treasure of life is missed by those who hold on and gained by those who let go. Lao Tzu
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When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. Lao Tzu
Your own positive future begins in this moment. All you...
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Your own positive future begins in this moment. All you have is right now. Every goal is possible from here. Lao Tzu
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When people see some things as beautiful, other things become ugly. When people see some things as good, other things become bad. Lao Tzu
There isa time to liveand a time to diebut never...
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There isa time to liveand a time to diebut never to reject the moment. Lao Tzu
Do your work, then step back. The only path to...
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Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity. Lao Tzu
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There is no illusion greater than fear. Lao Tzu
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single...
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The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Watch your step. Lao Tzu
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He who defends with love will be secure; Heaven will save him, and protect him with love. Lao Tzu
Great acts are made up of small deeds.
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Great acts are made up of small deeds. Lao Tzu
Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do...
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Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know. Lao Tzu
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If you understand others you are smart. If you understand yourself you are illuminated. If you overcome others you are powerful. If you overcome yourself you have strength. If you know how to be satisfied you are rich. If you can act with vigor, you have a will. If you don't lose your objectives you can be long-lasting. If you die without loss, you are eternal. Lao Tzu