454 Quotes by Lao Tzu

When the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves.'

Those who make their living by collecting taxes cause the people to starve; when the people starve, the tax collectors, having no one to tax starve also

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.'

A tree trunk the size of a man grows from a blade as thin as a hair. A tower nine stories high is built from a small heap of earth.

When a nation is filled with strife, then do patriots flourish.

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

He who does not trust enough, Will not be trusted.

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.

The Way of Heaven does not compete, and yet it skillfully achieves victory.