Lao Tzu Quotes
Browse 28 quotes from Lao Tzu, featuring insights on success, personal growth, leadership, mindset, and achievement.
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“At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.”
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”
“What the caterpillar calls the end, the rest of the world calls a butterfly.”
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Do not resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality.”
“Silence is a source of great strength.”
“Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits, they become character. Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”
“Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy.”
“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.”
“He who is contented is rich.”
“Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.”
“The best fighter is never angry.”
“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.”
“Because one believes in oneself, one doesn’t try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn’t need others’ approval.”
“Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner.”
“When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everybody will respect you.”
“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.”
“To lead the people, walk behind them.”
“He who knows does not speak. He who speaks does not know.”
“Do you have the patience to wait till your mud settles and the water is clear?”
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”
“In action, watch the timing.”
“Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity.”
“Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small.”
“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.”
“If you would take, you must first give, this is the beginning of intelligence.”
“The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.”
“A leader is best when people barely know he exists. When his work is done, they will say: we did it ourselves.”
