454 Quotes by Lao Tzu

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!'

To know men is to be wise; to know oneself is to be illumined

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

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.

When armies are mobilized and issues joined, the man who is sorry over the fact will win

Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.

There are many paths to enlightenment. Be sure to take one with a heart.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

The reason why the universe is eternal is that it does not live for itself; it gives life to others as it transforms