Lao Tzu
Lao Tzu
Laoziwas an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer. He is known as the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching and the founder of philosophical Taoism, and as a deity in religious Taoism and traditional Chinese religions. Although a legendary figure, he is usually dated to around the 6th century BC and reckoned a contemporary of Confucius, but some historians contend that he actually lived during the Warring States period of the 5th or 4th century BC. A central figure in Chinese culture, Laozi...
NationalityChinese
ProfessionPhilosopher
CountryChina
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.
One who knows that enough is enough will always have enough.
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.
He who knows others is learned; he who knows himself is wise.
He who knows others is clever; He who knows himself has discernment.
He who knows he has enough is rich.
For the wise man looks into space and he knows there is no limited dimensions.
The sage wears clothes of coarse cloth but carries jewels in his bosom; He knows himself but does not display himself; He loves himself but does not hold himself in high esteem
Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.
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.
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.
In the world there is nothing more submissive and weak than water. Yet for attacking that which is hard and strong nothing can surpass it.
Of all that is good, sublimity is supreme. Succeeding is the coming together of all that is beautiful. Furtherance is the agreement of all that is just. Perseverance is the foundation of all actions.
Violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself.