85 Lao Tzu Quotes on Life, Love and Happiness

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

He who talks more is sooner exhausted.

One can not reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others.

To see things in the seed, that is genius.

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

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.

Governing a large country is like frying a small fish. You spoil it with too much poking.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Govern a great nation as you would cook a small fish. Do not overdo it.

To know yet to think that one does not know is best; Not to know yet to think that one knows will lead to difficulty.

Those brave in killing will be killed. Those brave in not killing will live.

The best runner leaves no tracks.

Violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself.

To lead people walk behind them.

Those who have knowledge, don't predict. Those who predict, don't have knowledge.

Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.

Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline; simulated fear postulates courage; simulated weakness postulates strength.

Of all that is good, sublimity is supreme. Succeeding is the coming together of all that is beautiful. Furtherance is the agreement of all that is just. Perseverance is the foundation of all actions.

Great acts are made up of small deeds.

I do not concern myself with gods and spirits either good or evil nor do I serve any.