565 Quotes by Laozi

Going on means going far, going far means returning.

The highest virtue is not virtuous. Therefore it has virtue. The lowest virtue holds on to virtue. Therefore it has no virtue.

The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.

The soft and weak overcome the hard and strong.

Rituals are the end of fidelity and honesty, and the beginning of confusion.

Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt.

Be who you are, and go the whole way.

The Master’s power is like this. He lets all things come and go effortlessly, without desire. He never expects results; thus he is never disappointed. He is never disappointed; thus his spirit never grows old.

The leader’s main job is to make themselves obsolete.