85 Lao Tzu Quotes on Life, Love and Happiness

If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.

A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.

Be the chief but never the lord.

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

If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never truly be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.

Act without expectation.

If you are depressed, You are living in the past. If you are anxious, You are living in the future. If you are at peace, You are living in the present.

Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner.

Truthful words are not beautiful; beautiful words are not truthful. Good words are not persuasive; persuasive words are not good.

Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment.

Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.

For the wise man looks into space and he knows there is no limited dimensions.

Because of a great love, one is courageous.

He who is able to conquer others is powerful; he who is able to conquer himself is more powerful.

Simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being. Patient with both friends and enemies, you accord with the way things are. Compassionate toward yourself, you reconcile all beings in the world.

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.

Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.

Make your heart like a lake, with calm, still surface, and great depths of kindness.

Stop leaving and you will arrive. Stop searching and you will see. Stop running away and you will be found.