Quotes on Tao Te Ching

When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.

He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty.

If you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich.

Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart and the senses.

In dwelling, live close to the ground._x000D_ _x000D_ In thinking, keep to the simple._x000D_ _x000D_ In conflict, be fair and generous._x000D_ _x000D_ In governing, don't try to control._x000D_ _x000D_ In work, do what you enjoy._x000D_ _x000D_ In family life, be completely present.

Water is the softest thing, yet it can penetrate mountains and earth. This shows clearly the principle of softness overcoming hardness.

The flame that burns Twice as bright burns half as long.

Shape clay into a vessel; _x000D_ _x000D_ It is the space within that makes it useful. _x000D_ _x000D_ Cut doors and windows for a room; _x000D_ _x000D_ It is the holes which make it useful. _x000D_ _x000D_ Therefore benefit comes from what is there; _x000D_ _x000D_ Usefulness from what is not there.

Care about people's approval and you will be their prisoner.

Conquering others requires force. Conquering oneself requires strength

Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habit.

If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve

When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.

The tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao The name that can be named is not the eternal Name. The unnamable is the eternally real. Naming is the origin of all particular things. Free from desire, you realize the mystery. Caught in desire, you see only the manifestations. Yet mystery and manifestations arise from the same source. This source is called darkness. Darkness within darkness. The gateway to all understanding.

If you are at peace, you are living in the present.

All streams flow to the sea because it is lower than they are. Humility gives it its power.

A great nation is like a great man:When he makes a mistake, he realizes it.Having realized it, he admits it.Having admitted it, he corrects it.He considers those who point out his faultsas his most benevolent teachers.He thinks of his enemyas the shadow that he himself casts.

If you want to be given everything, give everything up.

When there is no desire, all things are at peace

He who stands on tiptoe _x000D_ _x000D_ doesn't stand firm. _x000D_ _x000D_ He who rushes ahead _x000D_ _x000D_ doesn't go far. _x000D_ _x000D_ He who tries to shine _x000D_ _x000D_ dims his own light. _x000D_ _x000D_ He who defines himself _x000D_ _x000D_ can't know who he really is. _x000D_ _x000D_ He who has power over others _x000D_ _x000D_ can't empower himself. _x000D_ _x000D_ He who clings to his work _x000D_ _x000D_ will create nothing that endures.

The nameless is the beginning of Heaven and Earth. The named is the mother of all things.