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
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
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.
One who knows that enough is enough will always have enough.
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.
For the wise man looks into space and he knows there is no limited dimensions.
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.
The softest things in the world to overcome the hardest things in the world.
The Way of Heaven does not compete, and yet it skillfully achieves victory.
The Way is empty yet use will not drain it.
The sage does not hoard. Having bestowed all he has on others, he has yet more; having given all he has to others, he is richer still.
Arms are instruments of ill omen. When one is compelled to use them, it is best to do so without relish. There is no glory in victory, and to glorify it despite this is to exult in the killing of men. When great numbers of people are killed, one shou
Favor and disgrace are like fear. Favor is in a higher place, and disgrace in a lower place. When you win them you are like being in fear, and when you lose them you are also like being in fear. So favor and disgrace are like fear.