Laozi

The supreme rulers are hardly known by their subjects. The lesser are loved and praised. The even lesser are feared. The least are despised.

Laozi

The ten thousand things flourish and then each returns to the root from which it came. Returning to the root is stillness. Through stillness each fulfils its destiny.

Laozi

The True Person benefits yet expects no reward, does the work and moves on. There is no desire to be considered better than others.

Laozi

The truly great man dwells on what is real and not what is on the surface.

Laozi

The way of heaven has no favorites. It is always with the good man.

Laozi

The Way of Tao is this: It strives not, but conquers; It speaks not, but all is made clear; It summons not, but its house is crowded; It contrives not, but the design is perfect.

Laozi

The way of the Sage is to act but not to compete.

Laozi

The way to use life is to do nothing through acting, The way to use life is to do everything through being.

Laozi

The wise cares about everyone, and he becomes an example to all.

Laozi

The wise does not think that only he is right – thus he knows the truth.

Laozi