Taoism Quotes - Page 8

The sage never strives for greatness, and can therefore accomplish greatness.

Those who defeat others are strong, those who defeat themselves are mighty.

Man is ruled by Earth. Earth is ruled by Heaven. Heaven is ruled by the Way. The Way is ruled by itself.

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

Violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself.

The highest virtue seems as low as a valley.

The highest virtue is not virtuous. Therefore it has virtue. The lowest virtue holds on to virtue. Therefore it has no virtue.

Peace and quiet govern the world.

Abandon wisdom, discard knowledge, and people will benefit a hundredfold.

The sage regards things as difficult, and thereby avoids difficulty.

The purest white seems stained.

My own words are not the medicine, but a prescription; not the destination, but a map to help you reach it. When you get there, quiet your mind and close your mouth. Don't analyze the Tao. Strive instead to live it: silently, undividedly, with your whole harmonious being.

If people are not afraid of dying, why threaten them with death?

Lessen selfishness and restrain desires.

The highest virtue does nothing. Yet, nothing needs to be done. The lowest virtue does everything. Yet, much remains to be done.

The most straight seems curved.

Seek not happiness too greedily and be not fearful of happiness.

Those who take long steps cannot keep the pace.

The most fundamental seems fickle.

If I have just an ounce of sense, I follow the great Way, and fear only to stray from it.

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

By moderation one can be generous.

What has not yet emerged is easy to prevent.

If you scramble about in search of inner peace, you will lose your inner peace.

Learn not to be attached to other people, to certain types of experiences. Allow the flow of life to guide you wherever it is supposed to and accept with equanimity, with balance, with poise, whatever happens.