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 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 leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves!'
When the effective leader is finished with his work, the people say it happened naturally.
It is the Vague and Elusive. Meet it and you will not see its head. Follow it and you will not see its back.
I have three precious things which I hold fast and prize. The first is gentleness; the second is frugality; the third is humility, which keeps me from putting myself before others. Be gentle and you can be bold; be frugal and you can be liberal; avoid putting yourself before others and you can become a leader among men.
Because of deep love, one is courageous. Because of frugality, one is generous. Because of not daring to be ahead of the world, one becomes the leader of the world.
A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent upon arriving. A good artist lets his intuition lead him wherever it wants.
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.'
When the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves.'
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.
The leader shows that style is no substitute for substance, that creating an impression is more potent than acting from one's center.
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 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