Lao Tzu

The words of truth are always paradoxical.

Be the chief but never the lord.

If the Great Way perishes there will morality and duty. When cleverness and knowledge arise great lies will flourish. When relatives fall out with one another there will be filial duty and love. When states are in confusion there will be faithful servants.

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

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.

Treat those who are good with goodness, and also treat those who are not good with goodness. Thus goodness is attained. Be honest to those who are honest, and be also honest to those who are not honest. Thus honesty is attained.

A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.

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

If you would take, you must first give, this is the beginning of intelligence.

Life and death are one thread, the same line viewed from different sides.

I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.

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

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

Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.

Silence is a source of great strength.

It is better to do one's own duty, however defective it may be, than to follow the duty of another, however well one may perform it. He who does his duty as his own nature reveals it, never sins.

Nature is not human hearted.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.