565 Quotes by Laozi

The way of heaven is to help and not harm.

Of the second-rate leaders people speak respectfully saying, “He has done this, he has done that.” Of the first-rate leaders, they do not say this. They say, “We have done it all ourselves.”

The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither need you do anything but be yourself.

When there is no desire, all things are at peace.

Better stop short than fill to the brim. Oversharpen the blade, and the edge will soon blunt. Amass a store of gold and jade, and no one can protect it.

Perfect kindness acts without thinking of kindness.

Warriors say: I dare not be like the host, but would rather be like the guest. I dare not advance an inch, but would rather retreat a foot.

He who treasures his body as much as the world can care for the world.

Supreme good is like water. Water greatly benefits all things, without conflict. It flows through places that people loathe. Thereby it is close to the Way.