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A vessel is formed from a lump of clay with care, however, it is the empty space within the vessel that makes it useful.

Laozi

The great Way is all-pervading. It reaches to the left and to the right. All things depend on it with their existence. Still it demands no obedience.
LAOZI

Demand Depend Reach Taoism Thing Way
I have the mind of a fool, understanding nothing.
LAOZI

Knowledge Mind Understanding
The True Person benefits yet expects no reward, does the work and moves on. There is no desire to be considered better than others.
LAOZI

Desire Earth Inspirational Move
The past has no power to stop you from being present now. Only your grievance about the past can do that. What is grievance? The baggage of old thought and emotion.
LAOZI

Baggage Emotion Grievance Past
In order to eliminate the negative influences, simply ignore them.
LAOZI

Ignore Influence Negative Order
The flame that burns Twice as bright burns half as long.
LAOZI

Flame Inspirational Long Philosophy
When people see some things as good, other things become bad.
LAOZI

Book Country Life People
Empty yourself of everything. Let the mind become still. The ten thousand things rise and fall while the Self watches their return. They grow and flourish and then return to the source. Returning to the source is stillness, which is the way of nature.
LAOZI

Animal Empty Everything Fall Nature
When the Way is lost there is virtue. When virtue is lost there is benevolence. When benevolence is lost there is righteousness. When righteousness is lost there are rituals.
LAOZI

Taoism Virtue Way
A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.
LAOZI

Fulfill Inspirational Leadership Wisdom
I am wearied, as if I lacked a home to go to.
LAOZI

Compassion Home Lack Taoism
The more weapons of violence, the more misery to mankind. The triumph of violence ends in a festival of mourning.
LAOZI

Mourn Triumph Weapon
Rule your mind with serenity rather than with force and manipulation.
LAOZI

Manipulation Mind Serenity Taoism
The sage knows himself, but does not parade. He cherishes himself, but does not praise himself.
LAOZI

Cheish Sage Taoism
If you can let go of (the Tao) with your mind and surround it with your heart, it will live inside you forever.
LAOZI

Forever Heart Letting Surround
The more prohibitions you have, the less virtuous people will be. Try to make people moral, and you lay the groundwork for vice.
LAOZI

Heart Matter People Trying Vice

A vessel is formed from a lump of clay with care, however, it is the empty space within the vessel that makes it useful.

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A vessel is formed from a lump of clay with care, however, it is the empty space within the vessel that makes it useful.

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Popular Authors

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