Laozi

Founder of Taoism

Ancient influential 196 sayings

Sayings by Laozi

Great acts are made up of small deeds.

6th century BCE (approx) — From the 'Tao Te Ching', Chapter 63.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone.

6th century BCE (approx) — Interpretation of Taoist philosophy.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest good is like water. Water benefits all things and does not contend.

6th century BCE (approx) — From the 'Tao Te Ching', Chapter 8.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.

6th century BCE (approx) — From the 'Tao Te Ching', Chapter 33.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The highest good is like water. It nourishes all things without trying to.

6th century BCE (approx) — From the 'Tao Te Ching', Chapter 8.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The gentlest thing in the world can ride through the hardest thing in the world.

6th century BCE (approx) — From the 'Tao Te Ching', Chapter 43.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill.

6th century BCE (approx) — From the 'Tao Te Ching', Chapter 9.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.

6th century BCE (approx) — From the 'Tao Te Ching', Chapter 67.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The sage is like water, which flows to the lowest places and yet is the strongest.

6th century BCE (approx) — Interpretation of Taoist philosophy.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to.

6th century BCE (approx) — Interpretation of Taoist philosophy.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.

6th century BCE (approx) — From the 'Tao Te Ching', Chapter 33.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The superior man, when he hears of the Tao, endeavors to observe it.

6th century BCE (approx) — From the 'Tao Te Ching', Chapter 41.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

He who is attached to things will suffer much.

6th century BCE (approx) — Interpretation of Taoist philosophy.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The Tao is always at ease. It is still, yet it moves the world.

6th century BCE (approx) — Interpretation of Taoist philosophy.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

To lead people, walk behind them.

6th century BCE (approx) — From the 'Tao Te Ching', Chapter 66.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The truth is not always beautiful, nor beautiful words the truth.

6th century BCE (approx) — From the 'Tao Te Ching', Chapter 81.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

He who talks much is soon exhausted.

6th century BCE (approx) — From the 'Tao Te Ching', Chapter 5.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The universe is a sacred vase. It should not be tampered with.

6th century BCE (approx) — From the 'Tao Te Ching', Chapter 29.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The sage is always without ambition.

6th century BCE (approx) — From the 'Tao Te Ching', Chapter 3.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The five colors blind the eye. The five notes deafen the ear. The five tastes dull the palate.

6th century BCE (approx) — From the 'Tao Te Ching', Chapter 12.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable